I- to 


First  Superior  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission  in  the  United  States 
and  Vicar  General  of  Upper  Louisiana. 


LIFE 

OF  THE 

Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M., 

FIRST  SUPERIOR  OF  THE 

Congregation  of  the  Mission 

IN  THE  UNITED  STATES, 
AND 

Vicar  General  of  Upper  Louisiana. 

Chiefly  from  Sketches  written  by 
The  Right  Rev.  Joseph  Rosati,  C.   M., 

First  Bishop  of  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

With  an  Introduction  by 

The  Most  Rev.  JOHN  J.  KAIN,  D.  D.t 

Archbishop  of  St.  Louis,  Mo. 


ST.  LOUIS,  MO.,  1900. 

Published  by  B.  HERDBR, 

17  South  Broadway. 


SANTA    BARBARA.    CAUF. 


NIHIL  OBSTAT. 

MARTIN  S.  BRENNAN, 

Censor  Deputatus. 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  November  3d,  1900. 


IMPRIMATUR. 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  November  6th,  1900. 

»J«  JOHN  J.   KAIN, 
Archbishop  of  St.  Louis,  Mo. 


— BECKTOLD— 

PRINTING  AND  BOOK  MFG.  CO. 
ST.  LOUIS.  MO. 


Copyright,  1900,  by  Joseph  Gummersbach, 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

INTRODUCTION.  Page. 

By  the  Most  Rev.  John  J.  Kain,  Archbishop  of 
St.  Louis,  Mo v 

CHAPTER  I. 

Birth  of  Father  De  Andreis,  his  Youth  and  En- 
trance into  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission. 
— Ordination 5 

CHAPTER  II. 

He  is  sent  to  Rome,  in  1806,  to  teach  Theology. 
— His  pious  labors  in  that  city  up  to  the  year 
1816 22 

CHAPTER  III. 

Father  De  Andreis  is  asked  for  by  Bishop  Du- 
bourg,  of  New  Orleans,  for  the  Missions  be- 
longing to  his  diocese.  —  He  obtains  leave 
from  the  Superiors  of  his  Congregation,  re- 
ceives the  Apostolic  blessing  from  Pope  Pius 
VII.,  and  departs  from  Rome,  in  December, 
1815 51 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Journey  of  Father  De  Andreis  and  his  compan- 
ions from  Rome  to  Bordeaux,  and  thence  to 
Baltimore 72 

CHAPTER  V. 

Louisiana  in  1816.  — Journey  of  Father  De  An- 
dreis and  companions  from  Baltimore  to 
Bardstown  102 

(iii) 


iv  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Arrival  of  Father  De  Andreis  in  the  city  of  St. 
Louis,  and  his  Apostolic  labors 166 

CHAPTER  VII. 

St.  Mary's  Seminary  of  The  Barrens.  —  First 
House  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission  in 
the  United  States.  —  Father  Rosati  its  first 
Superior.  —  Opening  of  the  Novitiate  in  St. 
Louis.  —  Father  De  Andreis  as  Master  of 
Novices 207 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Death  of  Father  De  Andreis.  —  Funeral  Honors. 
—  Removal  of  his  Remains  to  The  Barrens. — 
Testimony  to  his  Merit  and  Virtues 219 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Interior  Life  of  Father  De  Andreis 244 

CHAPTER  X. 

Theological  Virtues  practised  by  Father  De 
Andreis 255 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Simplicity,  Prudence,  Fortitude,  Humility  and 
Meekness 271 

CHAPTER  XII. 
His  Mortification  and  Zeal....  ...  296 


INTRODUCTION. 

the  Right  Rev.  JOSEPH  ROSATI,  first 
bishop  of  St.  Louis,  we  are  principally 
indebted  for  the  following  life  of  his  vener- 
ated Superior,  the  Very  Rev.  Felix  De  An- 
dreis,  C.  M.  And  no  one  else  was  as  well 
qualified  as  Bishop  Rosati,  to  describe  the 
life  and  heroic  virtues  of  that  truly  remark- 
able priest. 

When  in  the  early  years  of  the  iQth  cen- 
tury, Professor  De  Andreis  was  lecturing 
on  theology  in  Rome,  before  the  students 
of  his  own  Congregation  and  those  of  the 
Propaganda,  among  his  most  attentive  and 
enthusiastic  auditors  was  the  brilliant  young 
cleric,  Joseph  Rosati.  Master  and  pupil 
were  even  then  attracted  towards  each 
other — the  former  admiring  the  brightness 
of  intellect  and  purity  of  heart  of  his  dis- 
ciple; the  latter  carried  away  by  the  learn- 
ing and  eloquence  and  sanctity  of  his  pro- 
fessor. "When  Father  De  Andreis  took 
the  chair,"  writes  the  Bishop,  "to  give  us 
lectures  in  theology,  his  disciples  were 
astonished,  I  may  almost  say  thunder- 


vi  Introduction. 

struck,  by  the  richness,  ease,  solidity  and 
perspicuity  of  his  arguments.  I  enjoyed 
the  great  privilege  of  studying  under  him, 
in  the  house  of  Monte  Citorio,  the  entire 
course  of  dogmatic  theology.  What  I 
prized  even  more  than  his  learning  was, 
that  while  he  enlightened  our  minds,  he 
inflamed  our  hearts,  his  words  being  as  so 
many  fiery  darts  which  pierced  the  inmost 
depths  of  the  soul ;  so  that  when  we  left  the 
school  we  could  repeat  with  the  two  dis- 
ciples who  accompanied  our  Saviour  to 
Ernmaus:  Nonne  cor  nostrum  ardens  erat 
in  nobis,  dum  loqueretur  nolis  in  via?" 

After  Father  Rosati's  ordination  to  the 
priesthood  their  relations  became  still  more 
intimate,  their  mutual  affection  still 
stronger.  They  left  their  native  land  to- 
gether, crossed  the  ocean  and  half  the  con- 
tinent of  America  to  the  frontier-town  of 
St.  L,ouis,  which  they  reached  on  the  lyth 
of  October,  1817.  Three  years  later,  Father 
De  Andreis  passed  to  the  reward  of  his 
labors.  Just  before  his  holy  death  he  ap- 
pointed Father  Rosati  his  successor,  as 
Superior  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission 


Introduction.  vii 

in  the  New  World.  Father  Rosati  was 
consecrated  bishop,  in  1824,  and  amid  the 
great  labors  of  his  immense  diocese,  he 
found  time  to  collect  and  put  in  order  the 
data  for  the  following  life.  In  1840  Bishop 
Rosati  went  to  Rome  and  brought  his 
manuscript,  which  he  intrusted  to  the  Rev. 
J.  B.  Samaria,  an  Oratorian  priest  of  Turin, 
who  agreed  to  collect  some  further  infor- 
mation about  the  early  life  of  Father  De 
Andreis,  and  prepare  the  work  for  the 
printer.  The  death  of  the  bishop  in  1843, 
was  probably  the  cause  why  the  Italian 
life  was  never  published. 

The  Rev.  Francis  Burlando,  C.  M., 
director  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity  in  the 
United  States,  translated  Bishop  Rosati 's 
manuscript  into  English  and  had  it  pub- 
lished in  Baltimore  in  1861.  The  present 
publication  is  Father  Burlando's  trans- 
lation, with  some  corrections  and  additions. 
It  appears  quite  opportunely  at  the  present 
time,  when  the  work  of  collecting  evidence 
intended  to  prove  the  heroic  sanctity  of 
Father  De  Andreis  is  about  to  begin  in  this 
country.  Already  the  process,  which  it  is 


viii  Introduction. 

hoped  will  result  in  his  canonization,  has 
been  set  on  foot  in  the  dioceses  of  Rome 
and  Placentia  in  Italy,  and  a  similar  pro- 
ceeding will  soon  be  inaugurated  in  the 
diocese  of  St.  Louis,  where  the  holy  priest 
spent  the  closing  years  of  his  life,  and 
where  took  place  his  edifying  death. 

Father  De  Andreis  was  a  man  endowed 
with  eminent  intellectual  ability  and  a 
most  amiable  disposition;  but  he  was  prin- 
cipally remarkable  for  his  great  super- 
natural gifts.  He  was  a  poet,  a  linguist,  a 
theologian  and  an  apostle.  Had  he  devoted 
his  attention  to  literature,  instead  of  to  the 
salvation  of  the  poor  and  the  spread  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ,  he  would,  no  doubt,  have 
attained  to  no  mean  eminence  among  men 
of  letters. 

The  study  of  this  biography  will  be  of 
interest  and  of  great  benefit  to  all  classes  of 
Catholics.  The  clergy  will  see  herein  de- 
picted an  ideal  priest,  learned,  zealous, 
self-denying  and  pious.  He  was  highly 
esteemed  in  Rome  by  Pope  and  Cardinals 
and  clergy,  and  in  all  probability  he  would 
have  risen  to  eminence,  had  he  remained 


Introduction.  ix 

there.  But  the  voice  of  Bishop  Dubourg 
of  Louisiana,  pleading  for  apostolic  missi- 
onaries to  evangelize  the  unclaimed  wilder- 
ness of  his  immense  diocese  had  stronger 
attraction  for  the  heart  of  the  young  and 
brilliant  priest  than  all  the  honors  of  the 
Roman  Court,  and  the  charms  of  his  native 
land.  The  true  missionary  spirit  which  is 
ready  to  surfer  all  kinds  of  trials  and  diffi- 
culties in  the  work  of  the  holy  ministry  is, 
mutatis  mutandis,  as  necessary  in  many 
parts  of  this  country  today  as  it  was  in  the 
days  of  De  Andreis  and  Rosati.  Priests 
working  in  poor  and  difficult  missions  will 
derive  much  consolation  and  encouragement 
from  the  perusal  of  these  pages. 

The  indefatigable  zeal  of  the  servant  of 
God,  and  his  all  to  all  spirit,  are  striking 
features  of  his  life.  Wherever  he  went  and 
no  matter  how  short  his  stay  in  a  place, 
both  clergy  and  laity,  Catholics  and  Pro- 
testants, seemed  to  feel  the  influence  of  his 
presence.  He  had  but  one  object  in  view 
and  that  was  the  glory  of  God.  To  pro- 
mote this  he  never  lost  the  slightest  oppor- 
tunity. While  waiting  in  Bordeaux  for  a 


x  Introduction. 

vessel  to  bring  him  to  America,  lie  evaii- 
gelized  the  prisons  of  that  city,  and 
wrought  great  good  among  the  prisoners 
confined  in  them.  The  Sisters  of  Charity 
rejoiced  in  the  privilege  of  having  him  for 
a  confessor,  even  for  the  short  time  of  his 
stay.  They  consulted  him  as  an  oracle, 
and  revered  him  as  a  father.  The  Arch- 
bishop of  Bordeaux,  his  Vicar-General,  the 
Canons  of  the  Cathedral  and  the  entire 
clergy,  seemed  to  be  impressed  by  the  brief 
visit  among  them  of  this  humble  follower 
of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul.  Similar  results 
were  produced  by  him  in  Baltimore,  Pitts- 
burg  and  Bardstown,  where  he  tarried  on 
his  way  from  the  Atlantic  seaboard  to  St. 
Louis. 

Religious  communities,  both  men  and 
women,  will  find  much  to  admire  in  the 
exactness  with  which  the  servant  of  God 
observed,  and  caused  others  to  observe,  the 
details  of  community-life,  even  in  the  most 
difficult  circumstances.  The  vessel  on 
which  he  sailed  from  Bordeaux  to  Balti- 
more resembled  a  religious  house,  so  per- 
fect was  the  order  and  so  fervent  the  piety 


Introduction.  xi 

of  the  little  baud  of  missionaries  of  whom 
Father  De  Andreis  was  Superior.  Long 
journeys  by  stage-coach  over  the  mountains 
and  through  the  valleys  of  Pennsylvania, 
in  all  kinds  of  stormy  weather,  were  not 
favorable  conditions  for  the  observance  of 
religious  rules  or  the  recollection  of  com- 
munity-life. Yet  Bishop  Rosati  assures  us, 
that  during  their  journey  by  stage,  from 
Baltimore  to  Pittsburg,  all  their  exercises 
were  strictly  observed,  under  the  magic  of 
Father  De  Andreis'  direction. 

For  six  weeks  the  servant  of  God  and  his 
companions  floated  down  the  Ohio,  from 
Pittsburg  to  Louisville,  in  a  flatboat, 
through  the  roof  and  sides  of  which  snow 
and  rain  found  easy  entrance.  Sometimes 
the  passengers  were  soaked  with  water,  and 
very  frequently  shivered  with  cold,  as  they 
sat,  huddled  together  in  their  rude  craft. 
Yet  study,  prayer,  silence,  recreation  came 
in  their  regular  order  in  that  little  com- 
munity, and  were  strictly  observed.  The 
holy  Mass  was  said  every  morning,  and  the 
Sundays  and  festivals  were  celebrated  with 
religious  solemnity.  On  All  Souls'  Day 


xii  Introduction. 

the  office  of  the  dead  was  solemnly  chanteo 
on  that  rough  flatboat,  and  Requiem-Mass 
was  sung. 

The  laity  will  find  in  this  life  of  a  holy 
priest,  much  that  will  move  them  to  a 
greater  love  for  the  priesthood  in  general 
and  to  a  wider  sympathy  with  the  priest, 
who  gives  up  home  and  family  and  friends, 
to  consecrate  his  life  to  the  service  of  God 
and  the  salvation  of  souls.  Moreover, 
Father  De  Andreis  was  the  pioneer  of 
Catholic  Education  west  of  the  Mississippi. 
One  of  the  principal  objects  of  his  coming 
to  this  country  was  the  opening  of  a  semi- 
nary for  the  education  of  priests.  This 
aim  he  accomplished  when  he  founded  St. 
Mary's  Seminary  at  The  Barrens,  in  Perry 
County,  Mo.,  in  1818.  St.  Mary's  still 
flourishes  as  the  Mother-house  of  the  Vin- 
centian  Fathers  for  the  western  province  of 
the  United  States.  There  the  body  of  the 
servant  of  God  reposes,  beside  the  altar  of 
St.  Vincent  de  Paul  in  St.  Mary's  Church, 
and  there  his  spirit  keeps  watch  over  the 
training  of  the  young  ecclesiastics,  who 
are  to  continue  in  the  twentieth  century 


Introduction.  xiii 

the  work  which  he  started  iu  the  early  part 
of  the  nineteenth. 

Father  De  Andreis  spent  less  than  three 
years  in  St.  Louis,  yet  so  high  was  his  re- 
putation among  the  people  for  sanctity, 
that  the  appearance  of  a  luminous  star 
over  his  body,  during  his  funeral  service,  to 
which  occurrence  both  Bishop  Dubourg 
and  Bishop  Rosati  bear  witness,  was 
looked  on  as  a  very  fitting  manifestation  of 
God's  approval  of  so  holy  a  life  as  his  had 
been.  All  the  people  of  the  town  esteemed 
him  as  a  saint,  and  even  to-day,  eighty 
years  after  his  death,  the  descendants  of 
the  old  St.  Louis'  families, — the  great 
grandchildren  of  those  who  knew  him,  — 
hold  fast  to  the  traditions  and  belief  of 
their  ancestors,  that  some  day  his  heroic 
virtues  will  be  publicly  recognized  by  the 
Church,  whose  devoted  son  he  was.  The 
devout  prayers  of  those  who  read  this 
book,  may  do  much  to  bring  about  this 
long  cherished  desire. 

t  JOHN  J.  KAIN, 
Archbishop  of  St.  Louis. 


LIFE  OF  THE 

Very  Rev.  FelixDe  Andreis,C.M. 


CHAPTER  I. 

His  Birth,  Youth,  and  Entrance  into  the  Congregation 
of  the  Mission.    His  Ordination. 

THE  Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis  was 
born  of  respectable  and  pious  parents,  on 
December  I3th,  1778,  at  Demonte,  a  con- 
siderable hamlet  in  the  present  diocese,  and 
former  province,  of  Cuneo,  Piedmont. 

We  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  any 
particulars  respecting  his  early  youth,  but 
will  relate  what  he  himself  mentions  with 
candid  simplicity  in  a  manuscript  found 
after  his  death,  entitled,  "Soliloquy  No.  59, 
Uluminare  tu  mirabiliter  a  montibus  ceter- 
nis." 

"I  see  very  clearly,  when  I  collect  my 
thoughts,  that  Divine  Bounty  began  to  call 
me  to  the  sweet  intercourse  of  contempla- 
tion from  my  very  childhood  ;  and  after- 
wards, at  different  intervals,  during  the 

(5) 


6  Life  of 

whole  course  of  my  most  ungratetui  life.  I 
remember,  and,  even  now,  can  very  dis- 
tinctly picture  to  myself  the  unspeakable 
delight  which  I  once  felt  when  a  child, 
while  listening  to  one  of  my  aunts,  on  my 
mother's  side,  who  was  singing  some  hymns 
on  the  love  of  God  and  the  infancy  of  Mary, 
as  we  walked  one  evening  in  the  gardens 
of  Count  Beranger.  And  I  experienced 
this  pleasure  on  many  other  similar  occa- 
sions ;  once  especially,  as  I  was  thinking  of 
St.  Aloysius  while  I  was  employed  in  com- 
posing a  hymn  in  which  I  spoke  with  my 
Angel  Guardian  of  the  joys  of  heaven  and 
the  sweets  of  the  love  of  God.  O  !  how 
happy  should  I  have  been  had  I  corre- 
sponded to  divine  grace  !  Even  amidst  the 
disorders  of  my  youth,  never  did  the  Al- 
mighty cease  to  call  me  to  Himself  by  in- 
spiring me  with  a  desire  of  entering  the 
Congregation  of  the  Mission,  which  desire, 
in  spite  of  myself,  impelled  me  to  seek 
solitude.  And  when,  through  divine  mercy, 
I  had  entered  the  novitiate,  I  remember 
that  the  dislike  I  felt  for  conversation  was 
such,  that  I  generally  spent  the  time  of  re- 
creation without  being  able  to  utter  a  single 
word.  I  made  known  to  the  director  the 
secret  desire  I  felt  of  keeping  aloof  from  all 
creatures,  were  it  possible  to  do  so ;  and  he 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    7 

told  me  that  I  should  cultivate  such  feel- 
ings. I  did  not  then  foresee  what  would 
be  the  result,  and,  though  I  was  somewhat 
acquainted  with  the  writings  of  St.  Theresa 
and  St.  John  of  the  Cross,  I  had  no  precise 
idea  of  the  treasures  hidden  in  their  mystic 
works.  I  passed  through  divers  ordeals  of 
scruples,  anguish,  and  temptations,  until 
the  little  book  "God  Alone"  inspired  me 
with  a  more  earnest  desire  of  suffering  as 
they  did.  And,  before  I  underwent  those 
fearful  trials,  God  mercifully  ordained  that 
suitable  writings  should  fall  into  my  hands, 
to  enlighten  me  during  the  dark  night 
through  which  I  had  to  pass.  I  see,  there- 
fore, to  my  shame,  how  much  I  was  favored 
by  the  blessings  of  divine  mercy;  though 
my  conduct,  being  so  different  from  the 
lights  I  received,  dishonors,  in  some  sort, 
the  gifts  of  God,  and  gives  me  reason  to  fear 
that  I  am  a  consummate  hypocrite.  Oh ! 
what  confusion  is  mine  ! '  * 

Having  completed  his  first  studies,  in  his 
native  place,  Felix  De  Andreis  was  sent  to 
Cuneo,  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  to  learn  rhetoric 
and  philosophy;  while  there,  he  was  once 
in  imminent  danger  of  losing  his  life.  It 
was  a  holiday,  and  he,  and  several  of  his 
companions  went  to  take  a  walk  beyond  the 
river  Stura;  on  their  return,  in  order  to 


8  Life  of 

reach  home  more  quickly,  they  endeavored 
to  wade  through  its  rapid  waters.  For  the 
others,  this  proved  an  easy  task ;  but,  for 
him,  who  was  rather  small  and  delicate,  it 
was  a  dangerous  undertaking.  The  current 
carried  him  off  a  long  way,  and  his  com- 
panions, who  were  anxiously  watching  him 
from  the  bank,  without  being  able  to  come 
to  his  relief,  already  believed  him  drowned. 
Such  indeed  he  would  have  been  but  for 
a  special  intervention  of  Divine  Provi- 
dence. While  in  the  water,  he  raised 
his  heart  to  Heaven,  invoked  the  aid  of  St. 
Anthony,  and,  at  the  same  moment,  saw, 
or  thought  he  saw,  the  saint  handing  him 
a  rope,  which,  having  grasped  with  all  his 
might,  he  was  conducted  in  safety  to  the 
shore.  The  fact  is,  he  escaped  unhurt,  to 
the  great  astonishment  of  his  fellow  stu- 
dents. 

All  who  knew  him  admired  his  penitrat- 
ing  intellect,  his  aptness  to  learn  the  most 
difficult  things,  his  ready  and  retentive 
memory,  his  lofty  imagination,  and,  what 
is  more  important,  his  determination  in  the 
pursuit  of  his  studies,  and  his  irreprehensi- 
ble  moral  conduct.  *) 

His  excellent  qualities  caused  increasing 
wonder  among  his  teachers,  who  incited 

*)  Memoirs  of  his  life  by  Bishop  Rosati  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Ugo,  C.  M. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.     9 

him  by  their  commendations  to  still  greater 
progress,  promising  him  their  assistance  and 
predicting  his  brilliant  success  in  literary 
pursuits,  but  especially  in  poetry,  for  which 
the  young  De  Andreis  felt  a  peculiar  attrac- 
tion.*) 

But  grace,  meanwhile,  was  working  in 
his  heart,  other  and  better  dispositions  ;  he 
was  not  more  than  fifteen  or  sixteen  when 
he  felt  within  him  an  increasing  desire  of 
joining  the  Company  of  the  Mission,  founded 
by  St.  Vincent  de  Paul.  This  wish  became 
so  strong  that  he  could  no  longer  refrain 
from  making  it  known,  and  accordingly 
mentioned  it  to  Rev.  Father  Laugeri, 
Visitor  of  the  province,  entreating  to  be 
received  into  the  Company  as  he  felt  con- 
vinced that  such  was  his  vocation.  The 
prudent  superior,  well  aware  of  the  re- 
markable talents  of  the  young  candidate, 
and  knowing  particularly  his  poetical  gen- 
ius, received  his  request  very  coldly,  observ- 
ing that  the  Congregation  of  St.  Vincent 

*)  Among  the  numerous  manuscripts  of  F.  De  An- 
dreis, a  considerable  volume  of  sacred  poetry  was 
found  after  his  death ;  this  he  composed  more  to  give 
vent  to  the  pious  sentiments  which  animated  his 
heart,  than  to  afford  amusement  to  his  mind.  It  was 
impossible  to  peruse  them  without  feeling  the  effects 
of  that  charity  which  inspired  them.  Un  fortunately , 
this  precious  volume,  with  many  others,  has  been 
lost. 


io  Life  of 

would  never  suit  his  views.  "The  employ- 
ments of  our  missionaries,"  said  Father 
L,augeri,  "are  far  different  from  those  to 
which  you  have  hitherto  devoted  yourself 
in  accordance  with  your  natural  inclination  ; 
the  principal  object  of  our  institute  is  to  in- 
struct the  poor  in  the  country,  and  form 
good  laborers  for  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord ; 
its  duties,  therefore,  do  not  require  brilliancy 
of  thought,  nor  talent  for  poetry;  but  serious 
study,  and  discourses  without  pomp  or  orna- 
ment. How  difficult  it  would  be,  for  a  young 
poet  like  yourself,  to  become  accustomed  to 
such  things!" 

"And  yet,"  replied  the  undaunted  youth, 
UI  will  do  all  this,  if  you  will  receive  me 
among  your  children." 

"Be  of  good  heart,  then,"  resumed  the 
Visitor;  "take  another  year  to  reflect  on 
your  design ;  give  up  your  poetical  compo- 
sitions for  that  period,  and  apply  your  mind 
to  other  studies ;  devote  more  time  to 
prayer ;  let  your  life  be  more  recollected  ; 
and  then,  having  done  all  this,  present 
yourself  anew." 

"I  then  entered  into  myself,"  adds  Mr.  De 
Andreis,  "and  endeavored  to  correct  what- 
ever I  knew  to  be  reprehensible  in  my  con- 
duct, but  especially,  that  spirit  of  vanity 
which  prompted  me  to  wish  to  display  my 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  n 

talents  before  the  world  ;  I  traced  out  the 
plan  of  a  more  serious  life,  having  resolved 
to  become  a  missionary,  in  order  to  atone 
for  my  sins,  give  glory  to  God,  work  out 
my  own  salvation,  and,  by  the  aid  of  Divine 
grace,  promote  that  of  others  ;  such  was  my 
intention,  and  I  acknowledge  it  to  be  from 
Thee  alone,  O  my  God  I"  *) 

Father  Laugeri  became  acquainted  with 
these  excellent  dispositions  the  following 
year ;  and  having,  without  any  further 
difficulty,  admitted  him  among  his  children, 
he  sent  him  to  begin  his  novitiate  in  the 
house  of  the  Mission  at  Mondovi.  There, 
Mr.  De  Andreis  took  the  habit  of  St.  Vincent 
on  the  first  of  November,  1797,  and  after- 
wards applied  himself  to  correspond  to  his 
holy  vocation,  under  the  guidance  of  Rev. 
Joseph  Giordana,  subjecting  himself  to  the 
most  perfect  obedience,  mortifying  his  pas- 
sions, and  striving  to  become  an  interior 
man.  About  this  time,  namely,  in  January, 
1799,  the  houses  in  Piedmont  having  been 
suppressed,  by  order  of  the  Provisional 
Government,  established  by  the  French 
after  the  expulsion  of  the  royal  family  of 
Savoy,  he  was  obliged  to  return  home, 
February  gth,  1799.  Affairs  being  more 
settled  towards  the  close  of  the  same  year, 

*)  From  the  MS.  entitled  Ad  Quid  Venisti. 


12  Life  of 

and  the  Missionaries  having  regained  pos- 
session of  the  house  of  the  Holy  Martyrs  at 
Turin,  he  was  recalled  there  on  the  1 2th  of 
December  following. 

His  novitiate  being  ended,  he  made  his 
vows  with  great  interior  delight,  on  the 
2ist  of  September,  1800  ;  being  most  desir- 
ous of  making  progress  in  all  the  sacred 
sciences,  in  order  to  fit  himself  to  be  a  good 
missionary.  He  was  not  vain  of  his  talents, 
nor  did  he  presume  upon  them,  but  always 
seemed  little  in  his  own  eyes,  though  he 
was  most  fervent,  regular  and  obedient, 
even  in  the  smallest  things.  His  superiors 
remarked  all  these  excellent  qualities,  and, 
though  they  avoided  any  manifestation  of 
the  esteem  in  which  they  held  him,  it  was 
nevertheless  very  great,  for  in  him  they 
already  beheld  a  true  disciple  of  St.  Vincent. 
No  fault  could  they  perceive  in  his  deport- 
ment, and,  if  by  chance  some  slight  im- 
prudence needed  reprehension,  they  always 
found  him  docile  in  receiving  correction, 
more  circumspect  for  the  future,  never  be- 
traying any  ill-humor,  but  showing  a 
smiling  countenance  and  modest  cheerful- 
ness. 

He  prosecuted  his  studies  in  the  same 
house  at  Turin,  which,  at  the  end  of  the 
last  century,  was  adorned  with  many  ex- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  13 

perienced  meii  who  spent  their  lives  in  the 
labors  of  the  holy  ministry.  The  young 
De  Andreis,  seeing  in  these  venerable 
priests  so  many  living  portraits  of  St.  Vin- 
cent, endeavored,  with  ardor,  to  follow  their 
holy  example  in  the  practice  of  every  virtue. 
But  it  was  not  long  granted  him  to  enjoy 
their  company,  for  fresh  misfortunes  having 
befallen  the  royal  family  of  Savoy,  the  Mis- 
sion of  Turin  was  again  suppressed.  Mr.  De 
Andreis  was  then  sent  to  the  house  at  Pla- 
centia,  in  order  to  continue  his  studies.  He 
arrived  there  on  the  26th  of  December, 
1800,  and  pursued  them  so  extensively,  and 
with  so  much  success,  that  he  became  a 
profound  philosopher,  a  learned  theologian, 
and  an  erudite  historian  ;  besides  being  well 
versed  in  literature,  chemistry,  natural  his- 
tory, astronomy,  mathematics,  medicine, 
music,  geography ;  and  skilled  in  the  He- 
brew, Greek,  French,  and  Spanish  lan- 
guages. As  for  Latin,  he  spoke  it  fluently, 
and  wrote  it  with  elegance.  It  must  not  be 
thought  that  his  knowledge  of  these  sciences 
was  merely  superficial  and  only  fit  to  dazzle 
the  vulgar  eye  ;  on  the  contrary,  he  was  an 
adept  in  each  one  of  them,  and  had  accus- 
tomed himself  from  the  beginning  to  so 
much  regularity  and  order  in  his  ideas,  that 
these  different  acquirements  were  never 


14  Life  of 

confused  in  his  mind,  and  he  could  teach 
them  all  in  a  masterly  manner. 

As  to  merely  ornamental  accomplish- 
ments, he  possessed  them  without  display, 
being  very  much  averse  to  anything  like 
ostentation ;  he  looked  upon  them  as  the 
spoils  of  Egypt,  only  fit  to  adorn  the  temple 
of  the  Lord.  It  may  here  be  asked,  how  it 
was  possible  that  a  young  missionary,  whose 
hours  of  study  were  regulated  with  prudence, 
and  were  not  dependent  upon  his  own  will, 
could  thus  acquire  such  vast  and  diversified 
knowledge.  We  will  say,  in  reply,  that  Mr. 
De  Andreis  was  gifted  with  so  piercing  an 
intellect  that  he  penetrated,  at  the  first 
glance,  the  most  difficult  questions  and  the 
most  abstruse  theories.  His  memory  was 
so  good,  that,  having  once  read  a  book,  he 
never  forgot  its  contents,  and  could  repeat 
them  many  years  afterwards ;  and,  so  just 
and  accurate,  was  his  discernment,  that  he 
could  distinguish,  in  an  instant,  truth  from 
error  ;  correct  reasoning  from  sophistry ;  the 
light  that  merely  dazzles,  from  that  which 
illumines  the  mind.  It  is  not,  therefore,  a 
matter  of  surprise  that  he  learned,  in  a  few 
months,  what,  to  an  ordinary  capacity, 
would  have  been  the  labor  of  years.  And 
one  thing,  which  appears  worthy  of  par- 
ticular notice  is,  that  his  ardor  in  the  pursuit 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  15 

of  science  was  restrained  within  due  bounds, 
and  was  ever  subordinate  to  the  zeal  with 
which  he  sought  to  perfect  himself  in  every 
virtue.  Thus,  while  he  was  adorning  his 
mind  with  so  many  different  acquirements, 
his  spiritual  progress  was  no  less  rapid ;  his 
attention  to  the  Divine  presence,  and  his 
desire  to  learn  all  the  functions  of  his  in- 
stitute, never  decreased.  He  consequently 
preferred  to  every  other  study,  that  one 
which  tends  to  form  holy  and  learned 
priests,  namely:  the  Holy  Scriptures,  the 
works  of  the  Fathers,  the  canonical  deci- 
sions of  the  Church,  and  the  moral  and 
ascetic  books  written  by  the  most  eminent 
doctors.  St.  Thomas  was  the  theologian 
he  preferred,  but  he  also  consulted  St. 
Augustine,  St.  Bernard,  and  St.  John 
Chrysostom ;  and  he  retained  by  heart  long 
passages  from  these  Fathers,  besides  all 
their  most  remarkable  dicta  and  most  im- 
portant quotations. 

Meanwhile  the  time  approached  when 
Mr.  De  Andrei s  was  to  be  promoted  to  the 
priesthood;  *)  this  event  took  place  in 
Placentia,  in  the  year  1801.  He  prepared 
for  it  by  the  most  efficient  means :  fervent 


*)  He  was  ordained  subdeacon  early  in  the  year 
1801,  deacon  at  Pentecost,  and  completed  his  course 
of  study,  on  the  14th  of  August,  1802. 


1 6  Life  of 

prayer,  austere  mortification,  continual  in- 
terior recollection,  and  useful  reading.  He 
had  formed  that  exalted  and  true  idea  of  the 
priesthood  which  is  given  of  it  in  the  Sacred 
Scriptures,  and  by  the  holy  Fathers  and 
Doctors  of  the  Church ;  and,  having  ob- 
tained this  incomparable  dignity,  his  desire 
to  discharge  all  its  holy  duties  was  propor- 
tionally increased.  Nothing  was  wanting 
to  him  for  that  purpose  ;  he  had  prepared 
everything  requisite  for  a  good  missionary, 
such  as  catechetical  instructions  on  the 
sacraments,  the  laws  of  God,  and  those  of 
the  Church  ;  spiritual  retreats  for  those  who 
were  preparing  for  ordination,  as  also  for 
the  laity ;  ecclesiastical  conferences  for 
priests,  and  other  similar  discourses. 

It  is  not,  therefore,  surprising  that  he 
was,  immediately  after  his  ordination,  en- 
trusted with  the  complete  exercise  of  the 
Apostolic  ministry;  the  duties  of  which  he 
discharged  with  uninterrupted  fidelity.  Pla- 
centia  beheld  him,  at  one  period,  employed 
in  the  country  missions,  *)  at  another,  de- 
voting himself  to  the  ecclesiastical  confer- 
ences ;  again,  as  director  of  the  collegiates, 

*)  He  gave  several  missions  with  Father  Colucci, 
who  was  much  venerated  by  the  people  on  account 
of  his  sanctity;  also,  with  Father  I/ucio,  etc.  In  1804 
and  1805,  he  presided  over  the  retreat  for  the  can- 
didates for  ordination. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  17 

or  filling  among  them  the  professor's  chair  ; 
ever  ready  to  supply  the  place  of  any  one 
who  was  absent,  either  through  illness  or 
any  other  cause.  And  not  only  seculars 
and  country  people,  professors  and  students, 
but  even  the  most  experienced  clergymen 
of  the  city,  marvelled,  on  hearing,  from  the 
lips  of  the  young  missionary,  so  much  pro- 
found learning  expressed  with  such  dignity 
and  grace ;  such  strength  of  argument,  which 
never,  in  the  heat  of  controversy,  degen- 
erated into  vulgar  ideas,  rigorous  doctrine, 
or  relaxed  opinions.  They  would  scarcely 
have  trusted  their  own  eyes,  had  he  not  also 
made  a  deep  impression  upon  their  hearts  ; 
his  superiors  themselves  were  struck  with 
astonishment,  and  augured  great  things  of 
him. 

Meanwhile  Divine  Providence  was  pre- 
paring a  new  field  for  his  evangelical  labors, 
but,  before  we  speak  of  it  more  fully,  we 
must  insert  some  reflections  and  resolutions 
which  he  found  it  requisite  to  take  several 
years  afterwards,  and  whereby  will  be  seen 
how  entirely  he  was  devoted  to  study,  while 
he  was,  at  the  same  time,  most  careful  to 
shun  that  knowledge  which  swells  the  heart 
and  leads  it  away  from  God. 

"During  the  retreat  of  1810,  which  I 
made  amid  many  contradictions,  in  spite  of 


1 8  Life  of 

my  ardent  desire  to  make  it  well ;  I  ex- 
perienced, for  the  first  few  days,  nothing 
but  superficial  lights  and  general  emotions; 
but,  having  besought  the  Lord  to  discover 
to  me  the  cause  of  my  spiritual  infirmities, 
during  the  night  following  the  second  day, 
I  suddenly  awoke,  and  received  a  Divine 
inspiration,  which  showed  me  clearly  the 
diseases  of  my  soul,  the  root  whence  they 
sprung,  and  the  means  which  I  should  take 
for  their  removal. 

"i.  The  great  origin  of  all  my  faults  is, 
that  I  have  fallen,  without  being  aware  of  it, 
011  that  rock  of  which  our  holy  father  St.  Vin- 
cent speaks,  in  his  Rules,  chap,  xii.,  art.  8, 
where  he  says :  'All,  but  especially  the 
students,  shall  continually  watch  lest  an  in- 
ordinate avidity  of  learning  should  insen- 
sibly invade  their  hearts  ;  yet  they  shall  not 
neglect  applying  themselves  assiduously  to 
the  studies  necessary  to  perform,  as  they 
ought,  the  functions  of  a  missionary,  pro- 
vided that  their  first  care  be  to  learn  the 
science  of  the  Saints,  which  is  taught  in 
the  school  of  the  Cross.'  I  was  not  aware 
that  I  had  failed  in  this,  but  the  result 
proves  that  such  is  the  fact. 

U2.  This  immoderate  ardor  for  study  pro- 
duces, in  my  soul,  a  kind  of  languor  in  my 
spiritual  exercises,  making  me  consider 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  19 

them  as  mere  accessories  ;  filling  them  with 
distractions  concerning  my  studies  and  caus- 
ing me  to  perform  them  nastily,  in  order  to 
return  the  sooner  to  my  occupations  ;  and, 
though  it  may  appear  to  me  that  I  act  thus 
with  the  purest  desire  of  knowing  the 
source  of  all  truth,  which  is  God,  and  the 
better  to  be  enabled  to  serve  the  Company, 
self-love  is  concealed  beneath  it. 

"3.  This  irregular  passion  also  generates 
in  me,  (though  I  do  not  in  the  least  per- 
ceive it,)  a  certain  self  esteem  on  seeing  so 
many  others  deprived  of  the  knowledge  that 
I  possess,  and  this  esteem  is  revealed  by  the 
thoughts  that  pass  through  my  mind,  the 
conversations  which  I  hold,  and  my  de- 
meanor, as  well  in  praise,  as  in  humilia- 
tions. 

4 '4.  Besides  the  foregoing  effects,  this 
immoderate  ardor  for  study  produces  in  me 
another  disorder  which  our  holy  founder 
has  well  foreseen  in  his  rules,  namely :  a 
certain  prudence  of  the  flesh,  which,  under 
pretext  of  preserving  health  and  strength, 
gives  me  a  relish  for  the  comforts  of  life, 
and  produces  disgust  for  all  practices  of 
mortification.  I  have  noted  it  in  little 
things  only,  but  they  may  become  great. 

"5.  Finally,  as  a  last  consequence,  I  be- 
gin to  experience  the  truth  of  these  words, 


2o  Life  of 

Deus  superbis  resistit,  by  strong  tempta- 
tions which  I  never  before  experienced, 
and  to  which  I  am  now  liable.  I  begin  to 
feel  a  certain  reluctance  to  leave  my  studies 
when  called  upon  to  discharge  any  duty  of 
my  ministry,  etc. 

"Hence  I  am  spiritually  wasting  away, 
and  becoming  infected  with  many  faults, 
without  knowing  why  or  wherefore. 

"I  now  resolve:  i.  Considering,  the 
axiom  sdentia  inflat,  that,  however  much  I 
may  study,  my  knowledge  will  never  equal 
that  of  so  many  unfortunate  men  whom 
study  has  ruined,  and  who  have  also  caused 
the  loss  of  an  infinite  number  of  souls ;  that 
I  shall  never  be  able  to  attain  the  knowledge 
of  omnem  veritatemy  which  is  reserved  for 
paradise.  I  will  remember  then,  while  I 
apply  my  mind  to  study,  those  words  of  the 
Apostle :  Non  plus  sapere  quam  oportet, 
etc.;perdam  sapientiam  sapientium,  etc.; 
non  existimavi  me  scire  aliquid  inter  vos 
nisi  Christum.  I  will  only  give  to  study  a 
stated  portion  of  time,  and,  beyond  that, 
will  banish  every  thought  of  it. 

U2.  Seeing,  that  study  is  not  God,  nor 
even  the  most  direct  road  to  Him,  I  will 
endeavor  to  be  more  assiduous  in  my  ex- 
ercises of  piety  and  the  practice  of  virtue  ; 
these  being  the  surest  means  to  lead  me  to 
the  clear  view  of  truth  in  paradise. 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  21 

"3.  Bearing  in  mind,  that  humility  is 
the  gate  of  truth,  my  most  ardent  study 
shall  be  to  overcome  self-esteem,  which  I 
will  combat  on  every  occasion  by  contrary 
acts. 

"4.  Remembering,  also,  that  the  pru- 
dence of  the  flesh  kills  the  soul:,  I  will  re- 
sume the  practice  of  my  former  mortifica- 
tions, etc. 

"5.  In  fine,  by  fidelity,  to  these  four 
points,  I  shall  be  enabled  to  find  a  remedy 
for  the  last  mentioned  evil.  It  seems  to 
me,  that  by  divine  mercy,  I  am  now  thus 
disposed ;  and  if  my  God  knows  that  there 
is,  in  my  heart,  a  single  fibre  not  entirely 
His  own,  I  would  wish  to  tear  it  out,  were 
it  even  to  cost  me  my  life. 

"Con  fir  ma  Deus  hanc  voluntatem." 

It  was  by  such  powerful  means  as  these 
that  Father  De  Andreis  made  such  progress 
in  science ! 


CHAPTER  II. 

He  is  sent  to  Rome  to  teach  Theology  in  May,  1806. — 
His  pious  labors  in  that  City  until  the  year  1815. 

THE  air  of  Placentia  was  very  prejudicial 
to  the  health  of  Father  De  Andreis,  who 
suffered  frequently  from  very  violent  head- 
aches. His  superiors,  therefore,  thought 
of  removing  him  to  another  place,  and  sent 
him  to  the  house  of  Monte  Citorio  in  Rome, 
where,  it  was  hoped,  he  would  be  able  to 
remain  longer  than  in  any  other,  as  several 
establishments  of  the  Mission  in  Italy  had 
been  suppressed,  and  many  more  seemed 
about  to  meet  with  the  same  fate.  He, 
therefore,  went  thither  towards  the  end  of 
March,  in  the  year  1806,  to  the  great  joy 
of  the  Very  Rev.  Romuald  Ansaloni,  Visitor 
and  local  superior  of  Monte  Citorio.  This 
gentleman  was  well  acquainted  with  the 
talents  and  virtue  of  Father  De  Andreis, 
not  only  by  the  favorable  accounts  which 
he  received  of  him  on  all  sides,  but  also  be- 
cause the  young  priest  had  been,  for  many 
years,  his  disciple  in  the  study  of  moral 
theology.  Very  soon,  then,  did  the  judici- 

(22) 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  23 

ous  superior  employ  him  in  the  weighty 
duties  of  that  large  house,  which,  being  de- 
prived of  many  of  its  subjects,  stood  in 
great  need  of  help. 

Before  entering  upon  the  manifold  func- 
tions of  his  institute,  Father  De  Andreis 
prepared  for  them  by  a  retreat  of  some  days  ; 
he  was  intimately  convinced  that  a  priest 
cannot  exercise  the  Apostolic  ministry  with 
profit  to  others,  if  he  be  not  careful  of  his 
own  sanctification.  His  spiritual  retreat 
being  concluded,  he,  at  once,  devoted  him- 
self to  the  different  missions,  which  were 
confided  to  him.  We  will  here  notice  some 
of  them  (although  he  gave  them  at  different 
intervals,)  and  will  then  pass  on  to  his 
other  works.  To  use  his  own  words,  it  ap- 
peared to  him,  when  he  was  sent  to  instruct 
the  poor  of  the  country,  that  he  was  in  his 
proper  place,  in  his  own  sphere.  Every 
one  admired  his  efforts  to  extirpate  vice  and 
make  known  unto  all,  the  truths  and  doctrine 
of  Jesus  Christ.  Never  did  he  dread  the 
arduous  labor  and  fatigue  of  such  an  under- 
taking ;  but,  making  small  account  of  him- 
self and  his  own  ease,  he  was  always  ready 
to  alleviate  the  burden  of  his  companions. 
During  the  summer  of  1806,  he  assisted  in 
the  missions  of  Ceccano,  Giuliano  di  Fer- 
rentino,  Sannino,  Monte  Fertino  and  Val- 


£4  Life  of 

monte.  It  was  rumored,  during  this  last, 
that  certain  facts,  of  a  miraculous  nature, 
had  transpired.  However,  the  bishop  of 
Segni,  in  whose  diocese  Valmonte  is  situa- 
ted, having  been  questioned  on  the  subject, 
gave  the  following  reply  : — 

"Although  I  have  well  considered  the 
matter  in  question,  I  cannot  call  to  mind 
any  wonderful  act  performed  by  Father  De 
Andreis  during  the  mission  which  he  gave 
at  Valmonte  in  1806.  Nevertheless,  I  very 
well  remember  his  spotless  life,  which 
marked  him  out  among  all  others  ;  he  was 
cherished  by  the  people,  and  I,  admiring 
his  exalted  virtues,  formed  a  high  opinion 
of  him. 

"PETER  ANTHONY,  bishop  of  Segni." 

In  the  autumn  of  1808,  he  returned  to 
this  same  diocese,  and  gave  many  other 
missions  in  that  of  Amelia.  Wherever  he 
went,  he  gave  himself  no  rest,  nor  could 
he  content  his  zeal  until  all  had  profited  by 
the  word  of  God. 

During  the  Lent  of  1810,  and  of  the  fol- 
lowing years,  until  1815,  he  was  constantly 
employed  in  laboring  in  the  country,  and 
especially  in  the  suburbs  of  Rome,  where, 
certainly,  there  was  ample  room  for  the 
exercise  of  his  zeal  in  favor  of  the  poor 


'-83* 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  25 

shepherds,  who  sojourn  there  at  that  season 
of  the  year. 

His  last  missions  in  Italy  were  those  that 
he  gave  during  the  Lent  of  1814  at  Vesco- 
vera,  in  the  diocese  of  Tivoli,  with  Fathers 
Giovannoni  and  Vespasiani,  from  Cofi  to 
Valle,  and  subsequently  from  Cori  to  Monte, 
which  last  he  made  in  company  with 
Father  Colucci  and  Father  Rosati.  In 
these  missions,  he  endured  much  fatigue, 
and  had  to  labor  hard  to  pacify  the  in- 
habitants, who,  at  that  period,  were  divided 
by  animosities  and  contentions  of  various 
kinds.  The  duty  of  addressing  the  clergy, 
(when  their  number  was  considerable, )  was 
always  entrusted  to  Father  De  Andreis,  and 
he  discharged  it  with  admirable  skill  and 
discretion ;  for,  while  he  ever  manifested 
towards  their  person,  the  greatest  respect, 
he  spoke  to  them  with  such  unction,  that 
they  would  eagerly  endeavor  to  lead  better 
lives.  Conversing  with  some  priests,  dur- 
ing the  mission  at  Cori,  he  showed  them, 
by  the  most  convincing  arguments,  that 
their  own  salvation,  no  less  than  that  of 
the  flock  confided  to  their  care,  depended 
upon  the  right  administration  of  the  sacra- 
ment of  penance,  and  that  this  could  not 
exist  where  uniformity,  which  is  so  essen- 
tial to  it,  was  wanting  both  in  doctrine  and 


26  Life  of 

practice.  "A  confessor,"  said  he,  "who  is 
too  indulgent,  though  he  may  draw  many 
penitents,  loads  his  own  conscience  with 
the  sins  of  others,  because  his  tolerance  is 
the  cause  that  so  many  grievous  disorders, 
blasphemies,  infamous  connections,  pro- 
fanation of  festivals,  immodesty  in  women, 
negligence  of  parents  towards  their  children, 
discords,  public  and  private  enmities,  and 
other  enormous  crimes  of  long  standing, 
continue  to  exist  in  towns  and  villages.  If 
a  sinner,  on  presenting  himself  at  the  tribu- 
nal of  penance,  were  to  find  there  a  confes- 
sor whose  firmness  would  not  absolve  him, 
because  he  had  already  deceived  many 
other  priests  by  his  false  promises,  he  would 
address  himself  to  another ;  and,  if  the 
latter,  equally  firm,  were  to  say  to  him : 
'Come  back  again,  to  give  me  a  sincere 
proof  of  your  conversion,'  the  false  penitent, 
having  tried  all  the  confessors  of  the  place, 
and  finding  them  all  uniform  in  their  con- 
duct towards  him,  would  indeed,  as  the 
Blessed  Leonard  says,  open  his  eyes  to  the 
state  of  his  soul,  conceive  a  horror  for  his 
sins,  and  feel  the  necessity  of  leading  a  new 
life.  Venerable  priests,  the  impiety  of  the 
people  proceeds,  therefore,  in  a  great  meas- 
ure, from  ourselves  ;  and  thus,  according  to 
the  words  of  a  pious  and  learned  Cardinal 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  27 

of  the  Roman  Church,  'from  too  great 
facility  in  absolving,  comes  equal  facility 
in  sinning.'  'Give  me,'  said  the  great 
Pope  Pius  V.,  'good  confessors,  and  I  will 
show  you  the  world  reformed.'  What, 
then,  shall  we  do,  we  ministers  of  the  Lord? 
Let  me,  at  least,  hear  your  opinion,  which 
I  so  much  respect,"  Then,  after  he  had 
urged  each  one  to  make  known  his  opinion, 
they  all  agreed  that  it  was  requisite  to  enter 
into  a  holy  league,  like  that  which  the 
Blessed  Leonard  formed  for  the  purpose  of 
remedying  the  enormous  disorders  existing 
in  a  certain  city  belonging  to  the  Papal 
States.  Setting  aside  controversial  ques- 
tions, on  which  even  the  most  distinguished 
doctors  are  at  variance,  they  determined  on 
the  observance  of  certain  points  extracted 
from  the  Roman  Ritual  and  the  admonitions 
of  St.  Charles  Borromeo.  All  agreed  to  be 
firm  with  regard  to  these,  without  ever 
allowing  themselves  to  be  overcome  by 
human  respect,  or  the  false  promises  of  a 
penitent.  These  resolutions  were  written 
down,  and  a  copy  of  them  delivered  to  each 
of  the  confessors  to  keep  as  a  rule  of  his 
conduct.  *) 

Notwithstanding    the    ardent    desire   of 
Father  De  Andreis  to  labor  in  the  country, 

*)  MS.,  "Different  Notices,"  etc. 


28  Life  of 

he  could  undertake  but  few  missions  there, 
Father  Ansoloni,  his  superior,  having  as- 
signed him  other,  and  no  less  arduous 
duties.  He  had  to  teach  theology,  both  to 
those  of  his  congregation,  and  to  the  young 
clergymen  of  the  college  of  the  Propaganda, 
which,  by  order  of  Pope  Pius  VII.,  had 
been  transferred  to  the  house  of  Monte 
Citorio  in  1802.  In  this  new  employment 
were  discovered  the  vast  treasures  of  sacred 
learning  which  he  possessed.  He  was  a 
strong  champion  of  revealed  truth,  was  well 
versed  in  all  scholastic  questions,  accurately 
distinguishing  the  most  weighty  from  those 
that  are  merely  of  secondary  importance ; 
sustaining  the  former  by  invincible  argu- 
ments, and  refraining  from  any  asperity  in 
the  discussion  of  the  latter.  He  was  an 
enemy  to  all  novelties ;  and,  while  he 
modestly  followed  the  opinions  which  ap- 
peared to  him  the  most  probable,  he  always 
respected  those  authors  who  taught  differ- 
ently. His  ideas  were  clear,  his  explana- 
tions methodical,  never  confusing  or  over- 
burdening the  minds  of  his  auditors.  Hence, 
it  may  be  said  with  truth,  that,  as  all,  both 
little  and  great,  go  with  delight  to  quench 
their  thirst,  each  according  to  his  need,  at  a 
limpid  and  wholesome  stream,  so  all  were 
instructed  by  the  lessons  of  this  excellent 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  29 

master  ;  the  most  elevated  minds  as  well  as 
those  of  a  more  ordinary  stamp  ;  and,  while 
the  former  were  never  wearied,  the  latter 
were  not  neglected. 

"When  Father  De  Andreis  took  the 
chair,"  writes  the  Right  Rev.  Joseph  Ro- 
sati,  first  bishop  of  St.  Louis,  uto  give  us 
lectures  in  theology,  his  disciples  were 
astonished,  I  may  almost  say,  thunderstruck, 
by  the  richness,  ease,  solidity,  and  perspi- 
cuity of  his  arguments.  He  never  made 
use  of  the  book,  and  yet,  developed  fully 
the  entire  doctrine  on  which  he  spoke ; 
quoting  with  accuracy,  not  only  passages 
from  different  authors,  but  repeating,  word 
for  word,  long  texts  from  the  Holy  Script- 
ures and  the  Fathers,  in  corroboration  of 
his  assertions.  And,  besides  texts  from  the 
author  that  he  was  explaining,  he  would 
bring  in  others,  which  served  to  confirm 
and  elucidate  them.  I  enjoyed  the  great 
privilege  of  studying,  under  him,  in  the 
house  of  Monte  Citorio,  the  entire  course  of 
dogmatic  theology;  and,  not  even  once,  dur- 
ing the  whole  time,  did  I  ever  see  him  make 
use  of  a  book,  or  any  other  writing,  while 
he  was  giving  his  lecture,  whether  he  was 
expounding  a  principle,  or  questioning  us 
upon  any  difficulty.  All  his  explanations 
were  most  clear  ;  and  the  very  things  which 


3°  Life  of 

he  added  himself,  in  order  to  convey  more 
clearly  the  author's  meaning,  were,  of 
themselves,  so  beautiful  and  learned,  that 
scarcely  had  we  returned  to  our  rooms,  after 
class,  than  we  hastened  to  put  them  in  writ- 
ing, for  fear  that  something  might  escape 
our  memory.  In  this  manner  we  filled 
entire  sheets  with  useful  and  valuable 
knowledge,  especially  during  these  lectures 
which  he  gave  on  the  Scriptures.  But, 
what  I  prized,  even  more  than  all  this,  was, 
that,  while  he  enlightened  our  minds,  he 
inflamed  our  hearts,  his  words  being  as  so 
many  fiery  darts  that  pierced  the  inmost 
depths  of  the  soul ;  so  that,  when  we  left 
the  school,  we  could  repeat  with  the  two 
disciples  who  accompanied  oiir  Saviour  to 
Emmaus  :  'Nonne  cor  nostrum  ardens  erat 
in  nobis  dum  loqueretur  nobis  in  via — Were 
not  our  hearts  burning  within  us,  as  he  was 
speaking  to  us  in  the  ways." 

These  words  of  Bishop  Rosati  are  amply 
confirmed  by  the  testimony  of  Rev.  Joseph 
Martini,  a  former  disciple  and  confident  of 
Father  De  Andreis ;  he  also  declares  that 
whenever  his  teacher,  either  in,  or  out  of 
the  school,  was  heard  to  speak  on  the  truths 
of  religion,  or  the  maxims  of  eternal  salva- 
tion, he  did  it  with  so  much  warmth,  that 
his  countenance,  which  was  naturally  pale, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  31 

perceptibly  changed  its  color.  And  this 
ardor  was  greatly  increased  when  he  ad- 
dressed himself  to  the  young  students  of  the 
Propaganda,  as  if  he  longed  to  transmit  to 
their  hearts  a  heavenly  fire  that  would  make 
them  fervent  apostles  for  the  infidel  lands 
to  which  they  were  destined. 

Besides  the  professorship  of  theology, 
Father  De  Andreis  was  entrusted  with  the 
retreats  of  the  candidates  for  ordination, 
those  for  confessors,  parish-priests  and 
others,  to  whom  the  house  of  the  Mission 
was  always  open,  and  thither  they  frequently 
resorted,  in  order  to  strengthen,  or  renew, 
the  spirit  of  their  vocation.  To  his  share, 
always  fell  the  most  arduous  and  delicate 
part  of  these  retreats,  so  that  it  seemed  as 
if  they  could  neither  be  undertaken,  nor 
accomplished  without  him.  And,  although 
he  was  often  called  upon  unexpectedly,  he 
was  always  prepared,  and,  so  ingeniously 
did  he  vary  the  form  of  his  discourses,  that, 
though  the  matter  was,  necessarily,  always 
the  same,  what  he  said,  seemed  to  be  heard 
for  the  first  time.  This  was  a  singular, 
and,  we  might  almost  say  a  marvellous  gift, 
for  many  who  had  already  made  three  or 
four  retreats  under  his  guidance,  would 
come  to  listen  to  him  without  experiencing 
the  least  weariness,  retire  deeply  touched 


32  Life  of 

by  his  words,  and  eager  to  hear  him  again. 
Not  that  any  art  lay  concealed  in  his  dis- 
courses ;  on  the  contrary,  he  was  all  candor 
and  sincerity ;  he  never  made  use  of  fanciful 
expressions,  bearing  the  stamp  of  mere 
human  eloquence ;  but,  in  the  simplicity  of 
his  words,  his  reasoning  was  so  persuasive 
and  connected,  that  the  luminous  evidence 
it  imparted  to  the  intellect,  dispelled  any 
repugnance  to  receive  the  truth  ;  while  it 
so  deeply  touched  the  heart,  that  it  moved, 
at  the  will  of  the  speaker,  to  hatred  of  sin, 
confidence  in  God,  fear  of  the  divine  judg- 
ments, holy  love  of  God,  and  always  to  a 
firm  resolution  of  leading  a  truly  sacerdotal 
life.  Now,  if  it  be  asked  of  what  means  he 
made  use,  thus  to  conquer  even  the  hardest 
hearts  among  his  auditors,  we  can  only 
reply  that  his  words  partook  of  the  vehement 
ardor  by  which  he  was  himself  devoured, 
and  his  sentiments  were  as  so  many  burning 
arrows,  discharged  by  an  able  hand.  With 
regard  to  this,  we  will  here  cite  some  par- 
ticular facts. 

Monsignor  Atanasio,  pro-vicegerent  in 
Rome,  sent  to  the  spiritual  conferences  of 
Monte  Citorio,  a  priest  of  a  regular  order, 
who,  at  the  beginning  of  the  new  French 
government,  had  swerved  from  the  path  of 
duty.  While  he  was  listening  one  morning 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  33 

to  the  conference,  given  by  Father  De  An- 
clreis,  on  these  words  of  our  Lord  —  Ego 
sum  veritas  —  he  was  touched  by  such  a 
special  impulse  of  grace,  that,  in  the  sight 
of  all,  he  could  not  refrain  from  manifest- 
ing signs  of  extraordinary  compunction. 
Scarcely  had  he  retired  to  his  room  than  he 
gave  way  to  excessive  lamentations  ;  and, 
though  the  hour  of  the  repast  went  by,  he 
never  ceased  to  weep,  without  showing  the 
least  desire  to  take  any  food.  Father  An- 
saloni  was  obliged  to  send  Father  De  An- 
dreis to  his  room  in  order  to  console,  and 
induce  him  to  take  some  refreshment.  But 
he  was  quieted  only  by  the  hope  of  hearing, 
in  the  next  conference,  an  exposition  of 
these  other  words  of  Jesus  Christ,  Ego  sum 
vita.  He  heard  it  in  fact,  and  continued, 
throughout  the  retreat,  to  show  such  un- 
mistakable marks  of  true  conversion,  that 
all  were  edified. 

Similar  emotions  were  evinced  on  another 
occasion,  not  by  a  few  only,  but  by  the 
whole  assembly  of  priests  and  curates,  dur- 
ing the  course,  and  at  the  end,  of  one  of  the 
meditations.  Towards  evening,  after  hav- 
ing made,  in  the  chapel,  the  customary  ex- 
amination of  conscience,  all  the  missionaries 
were  assembled  in  the  refectory  for  supper, 
when,  to  their  great  surprise,  the  priests, 


34  Life  of 

who  were  in  retreat,  did  not  make  their  ap- 
pearance ;  after  waiting  some  time,  one  be- 
longing to  the  house  was  dispatched  to  find 
out  what  was  the  matter.  He  entered  the 
chapel  and  found  them  all  absorbed  in  such 
profound  silence  and  recollection,  that 
they  seemed  transported  out  of  themselves, 
and  he  was  obliged  to  tell  them  that  it  was 
time  to  go  to  supper.  Such  occurrences 
as  these,  and  the  wonderful  conversions 
that  took  place  during  the  retreats  given 
by  Father  De  Andreis,  were  soon  divulged 
throughout  Rome.  Notice  was  taken  of 
them  by  the  prelates  and  Cardinals  of  the 
Church,  and  his  Eminence,  Cardinal  Vicar. 
Delia  Somaglia,  wishing  to  ascertain  for 
himself  the  truth  of  what  was  said,  went 
one  day  to  the  house  of  the  Mission,  with- 
out disclosing  his  intention  to  any  one.  He 
arrived  just  when  Father  De  Andreis  was 
giving  a  conference  to  the  priests  assembled 
in  the  interior  chapel.  On  the  entrance  of 
so  great  a  personage,  they  all  rose  through 
respect,  and,  when  he  had  taken  his  place, 
and  they  were  reseated,  Father  De  Andreis, 
without  the  least  discomposure,  resumed 
his  discourse,  addressing  the  Cardinal  in 
these  words  :  "Your  Eminence,  the  subject 
of  our  conference  is  this,"  (here  he  named 
it,)  "and  the  division  has  been  made  into 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  35 

two  parts ;  the  first  has  been  proved  by 
authority,  etc.,  we  are  now  near  the  con- 
clusion, and  I  continue,  therefore,  by  say- 
ing, etc."  The  Cardinal  Delia  Somaglia 
listened  with  great  attention  to  this  address, 
and  remained  to  the  end  of  the  conference, 
which  afforded  him  so  much  satisfaction, 
that  he  attended  all  the  others  until  the  con- 
clusion of  the  retreat.  When  it  was  over, 
he  went  to  congratulate,  in  a  friendly  man- 
ner, the  superior  of  the  house  ;  telling  him 
how  much  he  admired  tjie  young  mission- 
ary, not  only  for  the  solidity  and  beauty  of 
his  discourses,  but  still  more  for  the  piety 
and  unction  with  which  he  spoke.  And 
the  worthy  prelate,  not  satisfied  with  this, 
in  the  first  audience  that  he  had  of  Pius  VII. : 
"Holy  Father,"  said  he,  "I  have  found 
out,  lately,  a  treasure  of  science  and  piety 
in  a  priest  of  the  Mission  at  Monte  Citorio ; 
his  name  is  Felix  De  Andreis,  and  he  is  yet 
quite  young.  I  heard  him  speak,  several 
times,  on  the  dignity  and  duties  of  the 
priesthood,  and  he  pleased  me  so  much, 
that  I  seemed  to  hear  a  St.  John  Chrysostom 
or  a  St.  Bernard."  Enraptured  at  these 
words,  the  sovereign  pontiff  immediately 
replied:  "  We  must  not  lose  sight  of  this 
young  man,  for  it  is  with  such  as  he,  that  we 
should  fill  the  episcopal  sees." 


36  Life  of 

The  other  cardinals  and  prelates  who 
resorted  to  Monte  Citorio  to  hear  Father  De 
Andreis,  thought  and  spoke  as  the  Cardinal 
Delia  Somaglia  had  done ;  we  must  mention 
especially,  among  the  number,  the  vice- 
gerent, Father  Fenaia,  who,  better  than 
any  one  else,  could  form  a  correct  opinion 
about  him.  He  had  long  experience 
as  a  missionary,  and  was  well  versed  in  such 
matters,  being  himself  an  excellent  preacher 
of  the  gospel.  It  was  not  merely  to  the 
learned  that  Father  De  Andreis  gave  so 
much  delight ;  he  was,  at  the  same  time, 
most  acceptable  to  the  simple  and  ignorant. 
Without  discontinuing  his  theological  lect- 
ures, he  had  frequent  occasion  to  address 
discourses  to  tradesmen,  merchants,  in  a 
word,  to  every  description  of  persons,  who 
were,  all  alike,  moved  to  tears  by  his  words. 
For  a  long  time,  he  was  entrusted  with  the 
conference  which  was  given  every  Sunday 
to  the  clergymen  who  assembled  at  Monte 
Citorio,  and  he  would  go  from  that  to  the 
congregation  of  San  Vitale,  entirely  com- 
posed of  peasantry  and  common  people  ;  to 
these,  he  preached  in  the  morning  of  every 
festival  day,  and  afterwards  heard  their 
confessions.  He  was  also  a  member  of  the 
pious  association  of  St.  Paul,  and  was  elected 
one  of  its  twelve  directors.  Besides  all 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andrels^  C.  M.  37 

this,  he  was  freqiiently  called  upon  to  give 
retreats  in  monasteries,  colleges,  schools 
and  other  pious  associations  ;  and,  wishing 
to  satisfy  every  one,  had  often  to  preach 
four  times,  in  the  same  day,  on  very  dis- 
similar subjects  ;  now  on  religious  perfec- 
tion }  then  again,  on  the  necessity  of  con- 
version. During  the  last  years  of  his  so- 
journ in  Rome,  or  rather  from  1810  till 
1814,  he  preached  regularly,  every  day,  to- 
wards evening,  for  about  three  quarters  of 
an  hour,  to  an  assembly,  composed  of  per- 
sons of  all  ranks  ;  countrymen,  merchants, 
servants,  lawyers,  priests,  and  even  many 
distinguished  individuals,  both  of  the  eccle- 
siastical and  the  secular  order,  who  met  at 
the  appointed  hour  in  a  large  hall  near  the 
entrance  of  Monte  Citorio.  He  discharged 
each  one  of  these  different  duties  with  the 
same  grace  and  dignity,  as  if  it  were  the 
only  object  of  his  care,  never  allowing  his 
mind  to  be  disturbed,  nor  doing  things  in  a 
hurry,  in  order  to  have  time  to  do  a  great 
many;  he  was  not  one  of  those  officious 
persons  who  meddle  with  everything  and 
wish  to  share  in  every  good  work,  under 
pretence  of  seeking  the  general  good,  while 
they  only  spoil  the  greater  part  of  what  they 
undertake,  or  are  overcome  by  the  weight 
of  it,  not  being  able  to  accomplish  anything 


38  Life  of 

solid  or  durable.  Most  assuredly,  Father 
De  Andreis  did  not  resemble  them,  for,  as 
he  was  gifted  with  a  penetrating  mind  and 
mature  judgment,  he  easily  distinguished 
the  promptings  of  charity  from  those  of 
self-love.  He  was  also  careful  to  give  to 
each  affair  the  amount  of  attention  it  de- 
manded, and  the  ease  with  which  he  spoke 
in  the  pulpit  seemed  so  natural  to  him,  that 
he  would  blend,  in  the  same  sermon,  the 
most  sublime  truths  of  religion  with  the 
simple  words  of  the  Catechism  j  the  most 
vehement  language  with  the  most  gentle 
and  pathetic  expressions. 

By  bestowing  upon  him  so  many  excellent 
qualities,  it  appeared  as  if  God  had  expressly 
destined  Father  De  Andreis  to  sustain  faith 
and  revive  devotion  in  Rome,  at  the  very 
time  that  both  were  greatly  shaken,  namely, 
during  those  unhappy  days  when  the  holy 
city  was  bitterly  lamenting  the  loss  of  her 
supreme  pontiff,  when  the  sacred  college 
was  dispersed,  and  her  temporal  dominions 
abandoned  to  the  tyranny  of  strangers,  the 
errors  of  incredulity,  and  the  disorders  of 
her  own  children.  In  the  proclamation 
issued  in  Rome  by  General  Miollis,  in  pur- 
siiance  of  the  order  of  Napoleon,  in  1810, 
for  the  general  dispersion  of  all  religious 
orders,  Father  De  Andreis  was,  of  course, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  39 

comprised  ;  and,  being  a  native  of  Piedmont, 
he  would  have  been  obliged  to  withdraw 
from  the  capital,  were  it  not  that  considera- 
tion was  shown  him  on  account  of  the  col- 
lege of  the  Propaganda,  whose  students  he 
taught.  This,  perhaps,  was  the  only  in- 
stitution which  was  allowed  to  subsist.  As 
for  Father  De  Andreis,  raising  his  eyes  to 
Heaven,  as  he  did  in  all  human  vicissitudes, 
he  saw  clearly,  in  his  preservation,  a  special 
dispensation  of  Divine  Mercy,  who  wished 
him  to  remain  in  Rome,  solely,  that  he 
might  oppose  the  torrent  of  iniquity,  and 
become  the  refuge  and  comforter  of  the 
good,  the  despised,  and  the  oppressed. 
Regarding  it  in  this  light,  he  strove  to  ful- 
fil the  designs  of  Heaven,  and  devoted  him- 
self to  all  the  good  works  that  were  going 
on,  seeking  out  others  which  he  knew 
might  be  beneficial,  either  to  the  spiritual 
or  the  temporal  welfare  of  his  neighbor. 

Hence,  led  by  his  own  choice,  he  fre- 
quently visited  the  prisons,  consoling,  with 
paternal  affection,  the  unfortunate  beings 
confined  therein,  often  for  political  opinions 
only;  they  were,  consequent!}',  oppressed, 
but  not  criminal.  He  would  give  them 
retreats,  and  hear  their  confessions,  with 
joyful  alacrity,  in  order  to  render  them 
patient  and  perfect  Christians.  It  was  also 


4°  Life  of 

his  delight,  when  he  was  free  from  his 
scholastic  duties,  to  visit  the  sick  of  all 
kinds  in  the  public  hospitals,  inducing 
many  to  make  general  confessions,  who  had 
never  approached  that  sacrament  during  the 
whole  course  of  their  lives  ;  preparing  others 
for  their  approaching  passage  to  eternity, 
and  comforting  all,  by  the  most  touching 
and  affectionate  admonitions.  During  one 
of  these  visits,  having  met  with  a  sick  per- 
son, all  covered  with  gangrened  ulcers,  and 
who  was  quite  abandoned  by  the  physicians, 
"Courage,"  said  he  ;  "trust  in  God,  who  is 
all  powerful ;  put  upon  your  sore  a  piece  of 
the  cassock  of  our  Holy  Father  the  Pope, 
who  is  now  enduring  so  much  for  our  holy 
religion ;  who  knows !  perhaps,  through 
his  merits,  God  may  vouchsafe  to  restore 
you  to  health."  A  few  days  after,  Father 
De  Andreis  having  returned  to  the  sick 
man's  bed,  accompanied  by  Father  Rosati, 
he  found  it  empty ;  and,  on  making  enquiries 
about  him  of  those  who  were  around,  he 
was  told  that  he  had  left  the  hospital,  hav- 
ing been  entirely  cured.  Whether  this 
cure  should  be  imputed  to  the  merits  of  our 
Holy  Father  Pius  VII.,  or  to  the  prayers  of 
the  "fervent  missionary,  it  is  not  for  us  to 
decide ;  we  leave  it  to  the  judgment  of 
others.  The  fact,  wonderful  as  it  is,  cannot 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  41 

be  denied,  and  it  is  mentioned  in  the  papers 
of  Bishop  Rosati,  who  was  a  witness  of  it. 
When  the  servant  of  God  had  any  time  re- 
maining after  these  numerous  occupations, 
he  employed  it  in  deploring  the  evils  which, 
especially  at  that  period,  afflicted  the  entire 
Church,  and,  for  that  purpose,  he  would 
visit  one  of  the  Roman  basilicas.  What 
sorrow  did  he  not  experience  on  entering 
these  churches,  once  crowded  by  members 
of  the  regular  orders,  and  now  completely 
deserted !  What  bitter  tears  he  shed  over 
the  profane  abandonment  of  these  holy 
places,  how  many  and  fervent  were  his 
prayers,  how  austere  his  mortifications,  to 
obtain  that  these  terrible  days  of  divine 
justice  might  be  shortened !  Frequently 
did  he  offer  his  own  life  to  God,  to  save 
that  of  others  and  appease  the  divine  wrath  ! 
And  yet,  he  did  not  despond  in  the  midst 
of  so  many  calamities  ;  on  the  contrary,  he 
looked  forward,  with  certainty,  to  their 
speedy  termination  ;  and,  even  when  the 
storm  appeared  most  violent  and  destructive, 
he  assured  his  friends,  in  confidence,  that 
the  exiled  pontiff  would  return,  in  triumph, 
to  the  Apostolic  chair;  but,  that  they  must 
not,  meanwhile,  neglect  to  devote  them- 
selves, manfully,  to  the  defence  of  religion, 
attacked  by  so  many  enemies.  He  prac- 


4  2  £*/e  o/ 

tised,  himself,  what  he  taught  to  others, 
for  he  pointed  out  the  errors  contained  in 
the  impious  pamphlets  which  were  pub- 
lished throughout  Rome  ;  replied  to  many 
doubts,  which  were  laid  before  him,  with 
regard  to  the  oath  exacted  by  the  prevailing 
government ;  confuted,  by  his  learned  dis- 
cussions, the  wicked  maxims  then  dis- 
seminated; and,  in  fine,  he  prepared  an  ex- 
cellent book,  wherein  the  proofs  of  the 
Catholic  religion  were  established,  by  in- 
vincible arguments  of  easy  comprehension, 
even  to  the  unlearned ,  and  the  objections 
of  infidels  overthrown  by  most  clear  and 
substantial  replies.  He  gave  to  this  work, 
the  unpretending  title  of  "Catechism."  It 
was  nearly  finished  at  the  return  of  Pope 
Pius  VII.  to  Rome  ;  and,  as  he  thought  it 
would  be  a  suitable  time  to  have  it  printed, 
he  carefully  put  the  last  touch  to  it.  But 
the  merciful  providence  of  God  had  other 
designs  in  view ;  for,  this  excellent  work, 
instead  of  being  given  to  the  public,  became 
an  occasion  of  extreme  mortification  to  its 
author.  It  was  suspected  by  those  to  whom 
it  was  first  made  known,  was  maliciously 
criticized  and  condemned,  and  the  writer 
gained  nothing  by  it,  but  the  deepest  con- 
fusion, both  among  strangers  and  his  own 
friends.  This  was  truly  an  imexpected 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  43 

blow,  and  he  felt  it  most  painfully;  but 
God  made  known  to  him,  by  an  especial 
light,  infused  into  his  mind  during  his 
meditations,  that  he  must  bear  his  grief  in 
silence,  and  that  this  ignominy  which  had 
befallen  him  would  be  useful  for  his  per- 
fection. Concerning  this,  it  will  be  well  to 
give  here  some  reflections  found  in  his  own 
writing,  in  his  private  Resolutions  and  In- 
spirations received  from  God.  In  No.  16, 
he  speaks  as  follows : 

"Confirma  Domine  opus  quod  operatus 
es  in  nobis  —  Christo  confixus  sum  cruci. 
I  have,  for  a  long  time,  felt  that  a  great 
love  of  the  cross  was  insinuating  itself  in- 
to my  heart,  and  I  have  prayed  that  it 
might  increase,  and  that  our  Lord  would 
implant  it,  permanently,  in  the  very  midst 
of  my  soul.  I  mean  by  this,  that  I  have 
felt  a  marked  predilection  for  sufferings, 
humiliations,  and  poverty,  in  opposition  to 
the  three  follies  of  the  world  :  concupiscence 
of  the  flesh,  concupiscence  of  the  eyes,  and 
pride  of  life,  which  we  renounce  in  baptism, 
etc. 

"Now,  about  the  third  Sunday  of  Advent, 
(of  the  year  1814,)  or  some  days  previous, 
while  I  was  in  church,  praying  before  the 
Blessed  Sacrament,  all  at  once,  though  I 
was  not  thinking  of  it,  there  came  before 


14  Life,  of   -. 

my  mind,  as  plainly  as  if  I  had  seen  it  with 
my  eyes,  a  large  cross,  suspended  in  the 
air,  of  a  frightful  and  horrible  aspect.  It 
was  armed  with  sharp  points,  and  completely 
covered  by  a  thin  black  veil,  which  only 
allowed  part  of  the  lower  extremity  to  be 
seen.  This  sight  produced  within  me  a 
sensation  of  terror  and  awe,  which  I  vainly 
strove  to  repress.  I  understood  that  this 
cross  was  meant  for  me  ;  that  the  small 
portion  remaining  uncovered,  signified  the 
sufferings  I  had  already  undergone,  while 
the  greater  part  were  still  in  store  for  me. 
I  felt  my  strength  and  courage  fail ;  yet, 
making  a  violent  effort,  I  submitted,  and 
accepted  the  cross,  beseeching  our  Lord  to 
sustain  me  by  his  grace,  that  I  might  not 
sink  under  the  trial,  nor  displease  his  Divine 
Majesty.  After  this,  I  could  no~  elp  con- 
jecturing what  this  cross  miglr,  ;  ?,  but  I 
could  not  divine  its  meaning.  ^t  hap- 

pened, the  following  nightfv  I  e*p'  i  ienced 
some  suffering,  both  of  mind  and  ly,  and 
I  fancied  that,  perchance,  this  wa,<-  ie  cross 
which  threatened  me,  and  I  rejoiced  to  be 
rid  of  it  so  easily;  but  the  cross  came  again 
before  my  mind,  just  as  I  had  first  seen  it, 
and,  from  that  time,  it  never  left  me,  though 
I  sometimes  perceived  it  under  different 
aspects.  The  novena  for  Christmas  was 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  45 

then  beginning,  and  my  accustomed  pains 
of  body  and  mind  began  to  increase  from 
day  to  day;  such  a  height  did  they  at  length 
attain,  that  I  hardly  knew  what  had  become 
of  me.  My  sufferings  were  but  too  plainly 
depicted  on  my  countenance,  and  the  dif- 
ferent impressions  which  I  saw  them  pro- 
duce on  others,  augmented  my  anguish. 
Heaven  seemed  to  have  become  of  bronze, 
and  the  earth  of  iron  ;  every  creature  ex- 
cited in  me  feelings  of  aversion.  I  spent 
days  and  nights  almost  without  closing  my 
eyes,  my  whole  system  being  affected  by 
the  mental  agony  I  endured  ;  it  was  but 
with  an  effort  that  I  took  the  smallest 
quantity  of  food  ;  life  itself  seemed  about  to 
leave  me ;  light  was  changed  into  dark- 
ness. .  .  .  One  day,  when  almost  in  despair, 
I  was  trying  to  recite  the  Seven  Penitential 
Psalms,  I  felt  somewhat  consoled,  especially 
at  the  second,  where  it  is  said  :  Tn  es  refu- 
ffinm  mmm  a  trilidatione  quce  circumdedit 
me,  and :  Domine  probasti  me,  etc.  From 
that  moment,  I  became  more  tranquil,  and 
felt  inspired  with  great  confidence  in  God 
and  abandonment  of  self,  accompanied  by 
unusual  strength  and  cheerfulness.  I  be- 
held the  cross  again,  at  first,  with  nothing 
but  the  left  arm  covered  ;  then  again,  en- 


46  Life  of 

tirely  unveiled,  and  no  longer  suspended  in 
the  air,  but  resting  upon  a  heavy  stone ; 
and,  lastly,  adorned  with  precious  gems, 
and  resplendent  with  rays,  like  those  crosses 
that  are  exposed  upon  our  altars  on  great 
festivals.  I  felt  like  one  whose  life  was  re- 
newed after  he  had  passed  through  a  severe 
crisis.  The  love  of  creatures,  the  desire  of 
esteem,  of  possessions,  of  anything  that  was 
not  God,  had  passed  away  from  me  ;  I  felt 
detached  from  every  satisfaction,  even  those 
of  a  spiritual  nature,  and  from  virtue  itself  ; 
and  was  filled  (as  it  seemed  to  me)  with  a 
most  sincere  desire  of  being  despised  by  all, 
annihilated,  crucified ;  in  fine,  that  the 
divine  will,  alone,  might  be  accomplished 
in  me.  Yet,  as  these  dispositions  seem  to 
me  like  young  and  tender  plants,  they 
must  be  fostered,  strengthened,  and  well 
grounded.  And  this  I  beg  of  our  Lord  to 
do,  for  it  is  from  him  that  all  good  pro- 
ceeds, and  to  him,  alone,  belong  the  glory 
of  it.  Confirma  Domine,  etc.  O  blessed 
Catechism  !  blessed  contradictions  !  blessed 
anguish  !  blessed  grief !  what  treasures  have 
you  brought  me  !  How  delightful  it  is  to 
be  disenchanted,  and  to  be  set  free  from  all 
human  respect ;  to  aim  at  nothing,  seek  or 
desire  nothing,  but  God  alone  and  his  glory; 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis  >  C.  M.  47 

Et  unde  hoc  mihi?  Et  unde  hoc  mihif"*) 
It  is  now  time  to  return  to  the  Apostolic 
labors  of  the  servant  of  God.  They  received 
a  fresh  impulse  in  1814,  when,  the  French 
empire  being  overthrown,  Pope  Pius  VII., 
of  illustrious  memory,  returned,  in  triumph, 
to  his  See.  Father  De  Andreis  had  never 
doubted  that  this  event  would  come  to  pass, 
even  when  many,  of  little  faith,  had  almost 
given  it  up  in  despair  ;  and  his  soul  exulted 
with  joy,  when  he  became  a  witness  of  the 
reorganization  of  ecclesiastical  affairs,  and 
beheld  peace  restored  to  Christendom.  He 
discovered,  in  all  that  passed  before  his 
eyes,  the  all-powerful  hand  of  God,  who 
humbles  the  proud  unto  the  dust,  never 
ceases  to  protect  his  Church,  and,  from  the 
persecutions  of  the  impious,  draws  his  own 
greater  glory.  Animated  with  these  senti- 
ments, Father  De  Andreis  gave  way  to  the 
most  delightful  transports  of  holy  joy;  at 
one  moment  making  acts  of  thanksgiving, 
at  another  embracing  his  fellow-mission- 
aries, who,  having  been  expelled  from 
Rome,  during  the  stormy  period,  now 

*)  This  Catechism  was  found  among  the  manu- 
scripts of  Father  De  Andreis,  after  his  death.  He 
might  have  published  it  while  he  was  in  America, 
but,  having  met  with  a  work,  recently  printed,  that 
answered  his  views,  he  put  aside  the  thought  of  pub- 
lishing his  own,  iii  spite  of  the  solicitations  to  the 
contrary  which  he  received  from  others. 


48  Life  of 

hastened  to  return  once  more  to  the  house 
of  Monte  Citorio.  He  joined  with  them,  in 
endeavoring,  by  renewed  labor,  to  repair 
the  evils  which  religion  and  Christian  piety 
had  so  painfully  undergone.  The  sovereign 
pontiff,  in  order  to  revive  the  spirit  of  devo- 
tion, had  appointed  several  priests  to  give 
public  missions  and  private  retreats  in 
Rome,  and  Father  De  Andreis,  who  always 
looked  upon  the  orders  of  the  Pope  as  those 
of  God  himself,  felt,  more  than  ever,  in- 
flamed with  zeal  to  excite  the  fervor  of  the 
just  and  the  repentance  of  sinners.  In  the 
appointment  of  the  missions,  it  fell  to  his 
lot  to  preach  in  the  Piazza  Colonna,  where 
his  voice,  like  thunder  that  startles  even 
those  who  sleep,  or  lightning  that  rends 
the  most  solid  rocks,  called  upon  all,  both 
rich  and  poor,  and  moved  them,  first  to 
admiration,  and  then  to  tears. 

Subsequently,  he  was  sent  to  give  a  re- 
treat to  the  young  students  who  are  accus- 
tomed to  assemble  in  the  vast  hospital  of 
vSanto  Spiritu  5  a  very  difficult  undertaking 
indeed.  Inhere  were  over  a  hundred  of 
them,  all  gifted  with  talent ;  and  having, 
at  least  the  greater  part,  a  good  knowledge 
of  literature  and  the  resources  of  logic. 
There  were  not  wanting,  among  the  num- 
ber, some,  who,  led  astray  by  the  heat  of 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andre-is,  0.  M.  49 

passion,  and  the  reading  of  bad  books,  were 
more  inclined  to  laugh  at  the  missionary, 
than  to  learn  of  him  lessons  of  Christian 
humility;  and,  they  were  still  less  desirous 
of  submitting  to  the  yoke  of  the  gospel. 
Without  being  in  the  least  intimidated, 
Father  De  Andreis  spoke  undauntedly,  in 
the  midst  of  them,  like  St.  Paul  in  the 
Areopagus.  Always  avoiding  bitterness, 
he  convinced  them  by  the  solidity  of  his 
arguments,  moved  their  hearts,  made  them 
yield  to  his  words,  and,  finally,  beheld  tears 
flow  from  eyes  that,  until  then,  knew  not 
what  it  was  to  weep.  The  good  that  re- 
sulted from  this  retreat  is  almost  incredible, 
the  more  so  as  it  was  lasting,  and,  many 
years  after  the  death  of  Father  De  Andreis, 
the  sweet  remembrance  of  what  he  had 
done  was  still  preserved. 

But  the  house  of  Monte  Citorio  was  the 
special  sanctuary  of  grace  and  pardon  ;  all 
desired  admittance  within  its  precincts  ; 
and,  in  reality,  all  were  received,  one  after 
another,  without  intermission.  Father  De 
Andreis  attended  to  all ;  now  giving  con- 
ferences ;  then  again,  meditations,  which 
he  suited  to  the  dispositions  of  his  hearers. 
He  appeared  to  be  the  soul  of  everything 
the  common  centre,  the  oracle,  the  master' 
the  father  of  all,  who  multiplied  the  brea^ 


5°  fyfe  °f 

of  his  words,  and  cheerfully  gave  the  sweat 
of  his  brow  for  the  welfare  of  his  spiritual 
children.  We  mention  these  things  very 
briefly,  and  in  a  general  manner,  though 
full  well  are  we  aware  that  they  would  de- 
serve a  long  and  ample  narrative. 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  Right  Rev.  William  Dubourg,  Bishop  of  New 
Orleans,  asks  for  Father  De  Andreis,  for  the  Missions 
of  that  Diocese.  The  latter  obtains  leave  from  the 
Superiors  of  his  Congregation,  receives  the  Apostolic 
Blessing  from  Pope  Pius  VII.,  and  departs  from 
Rome  in  December,  1815. 

FROM  the  time  that  Father  De  Andreis 
took  the  firm  resolution  of  entering  the  Con- 
gregation of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  he  was  in- 
stinctively urged  by  a  desire  of  being  one 
day  able  to  devote  himself  to  those  missions 
undertaken  by  the  children  of  the  Saint  in 
infidel  lands.  This  ardent  wish  increased 
within  him,  in  proportion  as  he  advanced  in 
years  and  in  the  exercises  of  his  institute. 
Nor  did  he  feel  himself  justified  in  repress- 
ing it  as  a  temptation  of  vain  temerity.  It  is 
true,  that,  at  times,  he  feared  it  might  be  an 
illusion,  and,  being  yet  very  young,  he  did 
not  dare  to  manifest  his  idea  by  consulting 
any  one  about  it.  His  principal  care ,  during 
his  first  years  in  the  Congregation,  was,  to 
consult  God  by  continued  prayer,  earnestly 
imploring  the  gift  of  a  supernatural  inspira- 
tion, that  he  might  not  err  in  a  matter  of  so 
much  importance.  Then,  as  he  perceived 

(SO 


52  Li-fn  of 

that  the  proper  time  had  not  yet  coinc  to 
unfold  his  desires,  he  quietly  labored  to 
draw  profit  from  the  different  employments 
which,  from  time  to  time,  were  allotted  to 
him,  leaving  his  future  fate  in  the  adorable 
hands  of  Divine  Providence. 

Having  been  ordained  priest,  he  could  no 
longer  conceal  his  ardent  wish  and  'hope,  of 
being  speedily  sent  to  some  foreign  mission. 
He  wrote  on  this  subject  to  Father  Brunet, 
who,  at  that  period,  discharged  the  func- 
tions of  vicar-general  of  the  Company,  be- 
seeching him  to  allow  him  to  join  a  baud  of 
missionaries  then  setting  out  for  China. 
The  reply  that  Father  De  Andreis  received 
could  not  have  been  more  satisfactory  ;  it 
was  expressed  in  the  following  terms  :  "Be 
in  readiness  for  the  mission  which  you  so 
earnestly  desire,  for  you  are  to  be  one  of 
those  who  will  leave  us  for  China,  and  you 
should  admire  in  this  the  wonderful  designs 
of  Divine  Providence,  which,  to  attain  its 
ends,  makes  use  of  means  quite  unforeseen 
by  the  mind  of  man."  With  regard  to  the 
latter  part  of  the  preceding  sentence,  we 
must  mention,  that  the  mission  intended  for 
the  empire  of  China  was,  in  reality,  a  won- 
derful work,  as  the  greater  part  of  the  ex- 
pense attending  it  was  defrayed  by  a  society 
of  Russian  ladies,  who  were  schismatics. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Anclrcis,  (7.  M.  53 

Father  De  Andreis  held  himself  in  readiness 
for  the  projected  journey,  giving  thanks  to 
God,  who  had  thus  appointed  him  a  means 
of  laboring  among  idolaters ;  but,  in  spite 
of  all,  his  hopes  were  frustrated.  His  im- 
mediate superiors  did  not  approve  of  his 
departure  from  Italy,  so  he  had  to  be  re- 
signed and  to  mortify  his  fervor.  This  he 
did ;  but,  without  being  dishearted,  he  re- 
doubled his  prayers  and  austerities,  beseech- 
ing God  to  give  him  the  grace  to  fulfil  per- 
fectly his  most  holy  designs  at  whatever 
time,  and  in  whatever  manner,  it  pleased 
him.  And  the  Lord  consoled  him  interiorly, 
by  bestowing  upon  him  a  great  increase  of 
the  spirit  of  his  vocation,  while  he  infused 
into  his  mind  an  unmistakable  light,  which 
showed  him  clearly  that  it  was  not  to  China, 
but  to  America,  that  he  was  destined  to  go; 
and  that  his  labors  there  would  be  so  great 
as  to  consume  his  life.  He  received  this 
special  inspiration  in  Rome,  while  he  was 
employed  as  professor  of  theology,  and,  not 
only  once,  but  several  times,  indeed  almost 
continually,  so  that  he  felt  perfectly  sure 
that  his  destiny  would  be  accomplished. 
He  spoke  of  it  one  day  to  a  much-loved 
disciple  of  his,  Rev.  Joseph  Martini,  a  mis- 
sionary of  whom  mention  has  already  been 
made  ;  this  gentleman  thus  bears  witness  to 
the  fact : 


54  We  of 


" 


In  1807,  an<i  the  following  years,  until 
the  2/th  of  May,  1810,  when  the  suppres- 
sion of  religious  houses  in  Rome  compelled 
me  to  part  from  Father  De  Andreis,  I  often 
heard  him  say,  he  would  die  in  America, 
where,  several  times,  it  had  been  thought 
of  sending  him  ;  and,  on  those  occasions, 
he  always  experienced  an  interior  presenti- 
ment that  he  would  eventually  go,  and  even 
end  his  days  there  ;  and,  as  I  asked  him 
how  he  could  be  so  sure  that  this  inward 
presentiment  would  be  realized,  he  replied, 
that  he  could  explain  it  only  by  reference  to 
the  past.  Whenever,  said  he,  I  have  ex- 
perienced similar  presentiments  ,  they  have 
always  been  verified.11 

These  ideas,  that  Father  De  Andreis 
modestly  denominated  presentiments,  were, 
in  fact,  supernatural  lights,  proceeding 
from  Heaven,  and  this  assertion  cannot  be 
doiibted,  if  we  consult  the  narrative  of 
Bishop  Rosati,  who  relates  the  same  facts, 
accompanied  by  many  more  minute  details, 
or  the  manuscripts  found  after  the  death  of 
the  devout  servant  of  God.  The  Bishop  of 
St.  Louis  thus  writes  : 

"At  the  very  time  that  the  Church  was 
groaning  under  that  terrible  persecution 
that  kept  the  Roman  Pontiff  a  captive  at 
Sav5na  ;  when  cardinals,  prelates,  canons, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  55 

curates,  and  the  most  illustrious  ecclesias- 
tics, were  expelled  from  Rome,  and  banished 
to  different  places  of  the  Papal  States  ;  when 
the  power  of  the  tyrant  seemed  to  shine  with 
its  utmost  splendor,  his  throne  being  more 
firmly  settled,  and  his  son  decorated  with 
the  title  of  King  of  Rome ;  when,  conse- 
quently, no  human  foresight  could  predict 
at  what  period,  or  how,  if  ever,  such  evils 
would  have  an  end,  Father  De  Audreis,  as 
calm  as  if  the  furious  tempest  had  already 
vanished,  and  the  universal  Church  enjoyed 
profound  peace,  said  to  me,  one  day,  as  we 
were  taking  a  walk  together :  —  In  what 
studies  are  you  noi,v  engaged?  I  replied , 
that  I  ivas  preparing  some  sermons,  besides 
which  I  always  devoted  some  portion  of  the 
day  to  the  study  of  the  Hebrew  language. 
Let  Hebreiv  alone,  lie  immediately  answered; 
such  studies  as  that,  are  well  suited  to  those 
who  are  destined  to  spend  the  greater  part 
of  their  life  in  their  cabinet,  preparing 
learned  books  to  explain  and  illustrate  re- 
ligion; but  we,  missionaries,  should  choose 
other  pursuits.  You  had  better  learn  Eng- 
lish. What!  English?  I  replied,  English? 
—  and  of  what  use  will  that  language  ever 
be  to  me?  Yes,  said  he,  English;  you  ought 
to  learn  English,  for  that  tongue  will,  onr 
day,  be,  needful  to  both  you  and  me,  to  preach 


56  Life  of 

the  word  of  God  to  a  certain  people  who 
speak  it! 

"Such  was  my  deference  for  his  words, 
and  the  respect  I  bore  this  holy  man,  who 
had  been  my  professor  in  dogmatic  theology, 
my  guide  in  all  my  studies,  and  my  master 
in  the  composition  of  sermons,  that  I  did 
not  dare  to  contradict  him.  I,  therefore, 
consented  to  learn  English,  and,  on  our  re- 
turn home,  he  gave  me  an  English  and 
Italian  grammar,  telling  me  that  he  would 
examine  me,  during  our  walks,  on  my  pro- 
gress in  English,  and  would  make  me  read 
for  him.  He  had  already  learned  it  him- 
self, having  been  taught  by  an  excellent 
Irish  priest,  a  student  of  the  Propaganda, 
who  was  one  of  his  disciples  in  theology. 
Father  De  Andreis  had  also  translated  a 
little  book  of  meditations,  entitled :  Think 
Well  On  It,  and  had  bought  several  Eng- 
lish books  for  his  own  use.  So  I  took  my 
grammar,  and,  when  I  was  alone  in  my 
room,  I  began  to  study  it.  I  read  the  first 
chapter,  striving  to  fix  the  rules  of  pronun- 
ciation in  my  mind,  but,  became  so  weary 
of  their  multiplicity,  manifold  exceptions, 
and  the  difficulty  I  met  with  in  articulating 
the  sounds  of  the  language,  that,  after  three 
or  four  days,  I  took  back  the  grammar, 
saying :  I  shall  never,  never,  he  able  to  learn 


Very  liev.  Felix  De  Andrew  y  C.  M.  57 

it;  I  give  it  up;  so  take  back  the  book,  and 
never  mention  the  word  English  to  me  again. 
Very  well;  let  it  be  as  you  please,  he  re- 
plied ;  yet,  you  will  see,  one  day,  that  you 
and  I  shall  both  be  obliged  to  preach  in 
English.  He  insisted  no  more,  and  took 
back  the  grammar. 

"I  could  not  understand  his  constant 
assertion,  nor  how  we  should  both  be  sent 
on  a  mission  to  any  country  where  nothing 
but  English  was  spoken,  Napoleon  having, 
most  rigorously,  prohibited,  both  in  Italy 
and  France,  any  communication  with  Eng- 
land. But,  what  was  then  hidden  from  my 
eyes,  was  revealed  to  him  by  the  super- 
natural knowledge  that  God  gave  him  of 
his  future  destiny;  and  too  truly  did  I  ex- 
perience the  truth  of  his  words,  since  neces- 
sity afterwards  compelled  me  to  learn  Eng- 
lish, in  order  to  publish  the  word  of  God  in 
that  language." 

That  God  had  given  Father  De  Andreis 
this  knowledge  of  his  future  fate,  some 
years  before  it  was  accomplished,  may  be 
seen  by  one  of  his  manuscripts,  written  on 
the  model  of  the  Confessions  of  St.  Augus- 
tine, and  found  after  his  death.  Addressing 
himself  to  God,  he  thus  expresses  his  senti- 
ments of  love  and  gratitude  :  "How,  O  my 
God !  can  I  ever  worthily  thank  thee  for 


58  Life  of 

the  benefits  and  graces  which  them  hast 
bestowed  upon  me  !  Thou  didst  call  me  to 
the  Congregation,  choose  me  for  the  Amer- 
ican mission,  and  make  known  to  me,  many 
years  before,  when  I  was  yet  in  Rome,  that 
such  was  to  be  my  destiny;  it  was  thou  who 
didst  reveal  to  me  that  Father  Rosati  would 
accompany  me,  and  that  a  knowledge  of 
the  English  language  would  be  necessary 
for  us  both,  and  hence  I  gave  him  a  gram- 
mar of  that  tongue.  *  ) 

We  must  now  consider  the  way  in  which 
the  designs  of  God  with  regard  to  Father 
De  Andreis  were  admirably  accomplished. 
He  was  in  Rome  in  1815,  laboring  without 
intermission,  as  we  saw  in  the  foregoing 

*)  S.  Vocationestucz  extraordinarice,  scrutator  cor- 
dium  Deus,  passim  fiunt  secundum  quosdam  pr&ce- 
dentes ptophetias  et pr&ludia,  quce  manum  invisibi- 
lem  ostendunt  illius  qui  attinget  a  fine  usque  ad 
finemfortiter,  et  disponit  omnia  suaviter.  Hinc  est 
quod  sensim  sine  sensu  me  longe  ante  inclinaveras 
non  solum  ad  Mission  fs  exteras  generatim,  sedprce- 
sertint  ad  desiderandant  et  postulandam  conversionem 
gentis  angliccz,  et  ad  ejus  linguam  addiscendam  quin 
precise  scirent  qua  ratione  idfeceram;  quinimmodo- 
minum  Rosati  hortatus  fueram  ut  hanc  linguam  ad- 
disceret,  quia  hcec  illi  necessaria  erit  in  Missionibus 
exteris,  ad  quas  sitnul pergemus,  et  hoc  phtribus  an- 
nis  cotitingit,  ante  quam  ulla  notio  appareret  Missio- 
nis  hujus,  etc.  .  .  .  Quanam  igitur,  Tibi  gratiannn 
reddam  actiones,  etc.  Cap.  XIV.  (These  Confes- 
sions were  written  by  Father  De  Andreis  in  the  city 
of  St.  Louis.) 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  59 

chapter,  to  bring  souls  to  God,  when  it  hap- 
pened that  Bishop  Dubourg,  who,  for  several 
years,  had  been  Apostolic  Administrator  of 
the  diocese  of  New  Orleans,  came  to  the 
holy  city,  with  the  intention  of  obtaining, 
both  from  France  and  Italy,  as  many  evan- 
gelical laborers  as  he  could  possibly  find,  to 
assist  him  in  the  cultivation  of  the  vast  field 
confided  to  his  care.  So  urgent  was  the 
want  of  priests  in  his  diocese,  that,  feeling 
he  could  not  comply  with  his  most  essential 
obligations,  without  additional  help,  he  had 
determined  to  resign  his  office,  if  he  could 
not  obtain  the  necessary  co-operators.  In 
this  strain  he  spoke  to  Cardinal  I,itta,  then 
prefect  of  the  congregation  of  Propaganda 
Fide,  to  whom  he  first  applied.  His  Emi- 
nence gave  him  some  hopes  of  success,  and 
meanwhile  directed  him  to  Monte  Citorio, 
requesting,  at  the  same  time,  the  vicar- 
general  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission, 
Father  Sicardi,  to  provide  him  with  suitable 
lodging. 

One  evening,  while  Bishop  Dubourg  was 
residing  at  the  house  of  the  Mission,  he  ob- 
served a  large  assembly  of  persons,  of  all 
conditions,  congregated  in  a  spacious  hall 
near  the  entrance  of  the  building,  where  a 
young  priest  was  addressing  them  in  sono- 
rous tones.  He  paused,  listened  more 


60  Life,  of 

attentively,  and  then,  turning  to  a  young 
student  of  the  Propaganda,  who  was  deputed 
to  accompany  him,  asked,  who  was  the 
priest  whom  he  heard  preaching  so  well. 
"He  is  a  missionary  of  the  Congregation," 
was  the  reply;  "a  man  remarkable  for  his 
learning  and  zeal ;  one  of  the  best  preachers 
that  can  be  found  in  Rome  at  the  present 
day. "  "O,  how  glad  should  I  be, "  rejoined 
the  prelate,  "if  I  could  have  some  of  these 
priests  for  my  diocese  !"  "Father  De  An- 
dreis,"  said  the  student,  "desires  nothing 
more  ardently  than  to  be  employed  in  the 
foreign  missions  ;  and,  if  his  departure  de- 
pended solely  on  himself,  he  would  be  ready 
this  very  moment ;  but  his  superiors  will 
take  good  care  not  to  lose  so  excellent  a 
subject."  "Well,"  concluded  the  Bishop, 
"request  him,  in  my  name,  to  come  to  me 
in  my  room." 

The  servant  of  God  went  as  was  desired, 
and  Bishop  Dubourg,  after  giving  him  a 
most  cordial  reception,  began  to  speak  of 
the  motives  of  his  journey  to  Rome,  the  de- 
plorable state  of  his  diocese,  deprived,  as  it 
was,  of  religious  pastors,  and  the  immense 
good  that  could  be  done,  in  this  neglected 
land,  by  a  company  of  missionaries,  who 
would  not  only  devote  themselves  to  the 
duties  of  their  sacred  calling,  but  who 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  61 

might  also  undertake  the  erection  of  a 
seminary.  Most  assuredly,  Father  De  An- 
dreis did  not  need  all  that  the  bishop,  with 
zealous  warmth,  said  to  him  respecting  the 
mission  of  New  Orleans.  He  felt  the  most 
lively  emotion  at  the  mere  mention  of  an 
undertaking  which  he  had  so  long  desired 
and  prayed  for.  But  concealing  all  these 
desires  within  his  own  heart,  he  replied, 
that  he  should  consider  himself  most  fortu- 
nate in  being  chosen  for  such  an  enterprise, 
but,  being  member  of  a  congregation,  to 
the  superiors  of  which  he  had  made  a  vow 
of  obedience,  he  could  not  decide  for  him- 
self ;  hence  it  was  to  them,  and  not  to  him, 
that  proposals  should  be  made. 

Thus  ended  this  first  interview,  after 
which  the  bishop  went  to  lay  the  affair  be- 
fore Father  Sicardi,  at  that  time  vicar- 
general  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission. 
He  entreated  the  latter  to  give  him  Father 
De  Andreis  and  two  or  three  o  the  Priests  of 
the  Mission,  besides  a  few  brothers,  to  found 
a  house  of  the  Congregation  and  a  seminary 
in  Louisiana.  Bishop  Dubourg  backed  his 
request  by  many  cogent  arguments,  which 
may  all  be  reduced  to  the  following,  namely: 
that,  in  America,  there  was  the  utmost  need 
of  good  priests,  while  in  Europe  they  were 
numerous ;  that  they  might  rely  on  produc- 


6s  Life  of 

ing  the  greatest  good,  besides  which  it 
would  be  a  most  excellent  and  glorious  un- 
dertaking, entirely  conformable  to  the  spirit 
of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  to  establish  a  colony 
of  missionaries  in  that  distant  country. 
Father  Sicardi  listened  with  respect  to  all 
these  reasons,  and  then  replied,  that  great, 
indeed,  was  his  regret  at  not  being  able  to 
comply  with  the  bishop's  request,  especially 
in  so  holy  a  cause,  it  being  quite  impossible 
to  dispense  with  the  services  of  Father  De 
Andreis,  at  a  period  when  the  Congregation, 
after  many  years  of  suppression ,  stood  in  need 
of  subjects  ;  besides  which,  he  added,  that 
the  duties  incumbent  on  the  house  of  Monte 
Citorio  were  of  such  a  nature,  that  it  would 
be  impossible  to  fulfil  them  in  the  absence 
of  one  who  was  constantly  employed  there- 
in, and  for  whom  no  one  could  be  substi- 
tuted. The  bishop,  therefore,  might  apply 
to  some  other  community  to  obtain  laborers 
for  his  diocese,  but  must  completely  relin- 
quish the  thought  of  getting  any  from  his 
Congregation. 

However,  things  tirrned  out  quite  other- 
wise ;  for  the  bishop,  instead  of  losing  cour- 
age, on  receiving  so  firm  a  refusal,  only  de- 
sired the  more  to  have  Father  De  Andreis, 
with  whose  eminent  qualities,  frequent  in- 
tercourse made  him  more  fully  acquainted. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  63 

Hence,  seeing  that  he  could  gain  nothing 
from  the  good  old  superior,  he  resolved  to 
address  himself  directly  to  the  Pope,  and  to 
make  him  a  formal  petition  on  the  subject. 
This  he  did,  showing  forth,  by  energetic, 
but  too  truthful  words,  how  much  his  ex- 
tensive diocese  stood  in  need  of  mission- 
aries, and  particularly  of  Father  De  An- 
dreis.  He  concluded  in  these  words:  Holy 
Father,  without  the  help  of  some  priests,  I 
feel  that  I  shall  no  longer  have  strength  to 
bear  the  formidable  bur  den  of  a  diocese  so 
vast  that  it  is  almost  unlimited;  I  shall, 
therefore,  be  obliged  to  resign  it.  The 
Pope  consoled  him  with  the  assurance,  that 
his  request  should  be  granted,  and,  shortly 
after,  intimated  to  Father  Sicardi,  that  he 
wished  him  to  accede  to  the  demand  of 
Bishop  Dubourg,  by  giving  him  Father  De 
Andreis,  and  some  others  of  his  Congrega- 
tion. 

Deeply  afflicted  was  the  heart  of  the 
vicar-general  when  he  received  this  order, 
and  the  blow  seemed  the  more  painful  as  he 
knew  neither  how  to  avoid  it,  nor  how, 
without  this  young  priest,  to  keep  up  the 
establishment  of  Monte  Citorio.  Having 
seriously  reflected,  he  raised  his  eyes  to 
Heaven,  and  conceived  some  hope  that  the 
sovereign  pontiff  might  change  his  mind, 


64  Life  of 

were  he  informed  of  the  wants  of  the  Con- 
gregation, and  especially  of  the  particular 
need  it  had  of  Father  De  Andreis.  Ani- 
mated with  this  hope,  he  went  to  the  Qui- 
rinal,  and,  almost  in  tears,  threw  himself 
at  the  feet  of  the  Holy  Father,  laid  before 
him  a  full  account  of  the  state  of  things, 
and  then  added  :  "Holy  Father,  if  I  venture, 
here,  at  your  feet,  to  make  these  remarks, 
it  is  not  with  the  intention  of  resisting  your 
will ;  on  the  contrary,  through  obedience,  I 
am  read}r  to  part  with  Father  De  Andreis, 
and  any  others  of  my  subjects,  for  the 
American  mission ;  but,  if  you  thus  ordain 
it,  you  will  place  me  in  the  utter  impos- 
sibility of  complying  with  your  other  com- 
mands, and  those  of  the  Cardinal  Vicar, 
namely,  that,  from  time  to  time,  retreats 
be  given  to  the  clergy  of  Rome  ;  now,  with- 
out Father  De  Andreis,  I  have  certainly  no 
subject  capable  of  fulfilling  that  duty." 

The  Pope  was  struck  by  these  arguments, 
which  were  indeed  most  true  and  judicious; 
he  had  heard,  from  many  sources,  of  the 
great  talents  of  Father  De  Andreis ,  and  of  the 
immense  benefit  which  the  clergy  of  Rome 
and  its  vicinity,  as  well  as  foreigners  from 
different  countries,  derived  from  his  con- 
ferences and  meditations.  Looking,  there- 
fore, at  the  matter  from  this  point  of  view, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  65 

it  seemed  to  him  better  to  prefer  the  actual 
and  positive  welfare  of  the  Church  at  Rome, 
to  the  future  and  precarioiis  advantage  of 
that  in  America.  He,  therefore,  sent  word 
to  Bishop  Dubourg,  that  he  could  not  let 
him  have  Father  De  Andreis. 

The  contest  did  not  end  here  ;  even  after 
this  declaration,  which  was  apparently  con- 
clusive, both  parties  continued  to  fluctuate 
between  hope  and  fear ;  and,  in  their  un- 
certainty, both  had  recourse  to  God.  No 
less  anxious  was  the  soul  of  the  servant  of 
God,  who,  with  a  tender  and  filial  love, 
cherished  the  house  of  Monte  Citorio,  and, 
still  more,  the  vicar-general.  In  his  dis- 
tress, he  found  no  comfort  but  in  prayer 
and  the  total  abandonment  of  himself  to  the 
divine  will,  leaving  others  to  decide,  as 
they  thought  proper,  on  his  fate.  It  is  true 
that  his  heart  inclined  more  to  leave  Rome 
and  Italy  for  a  foreign  mission,  and  he  felt 
a  certain  confidence  that  such  would  be  the 
conclusion  of  the  affair;  nevertheless,  he 
divested  himself  of  all  self-will,  in  order  to 
follow  whatever  path  God  would  most 
clearly  point  out.  He  had  another  thing 
equally  at  heart,  and  this  was  to  lower  him- 
self as  much  as  possible  in  his  own  eyes ; 
to  sink  into  his  own  nothingness,  while 
every  one  else  was  manifesting  so  much 


66  Life  of 

esteem  for  his  person.  Where  is  the  man, 
who,  placed  in  similar  circumstances,  would 
not  have  felt  some  rising  emotion  of  vain 
complacency?  To  behold  the  anxiety  of 
one  party  to  take  him  away,  and  that  of  the 
oilier  to  ke^p  him  in  Rome,  while  even  the 
sovereign  pontiff,  inclined  first  to  one,  then 
to  the  other,  as  they  disputed  for  him  in  the 
very  presence  of  the  head  of  the  Church  ;  to 
see  all  this  and  yet  entertain  no  good 
opinion  of  himself,  was  truly  extraordinary 
humility,  and  such  precisely  was  that  of 
Father  De  Andreis. 

Bishop  Dubourg  had  not  yet  made  up  his 
mind  to  receive  the  episcopal  consecration  ; 
he  endeavored  to  defer  it  until  he  could  be 
certain  of  obtaining  a  sufficient  number  of 
priests  for  the  diocese.  But,  at  length, 
yielding  to  the  persuasions  of  the  Cardinal 
Prefect  of  the  Propaganda,  he  consented. 
The  consecration  took  place  in  the  church 
of  "St.  Louis  of  the  French,"  and  was  per- 
formed by  Cardinal  Joseph  Doria,  on  the 
24th  of  September,  1815.  Father  De  An- 
dreis was  one  of  the  witnesses,  and,  scarcely 
had  the  solemn  imposition  of  hands  taken 
place,  than  the  new  bishop  felt  increased 
hope  of  gaining  that,  which,  until  then,  he 
had  not  been  able,  decisively,  to  obtain. 
He  spoke  of  it  anew,  most  urgently,  to  the 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  67 

Holy  Father,  and,  not  satisfied  with  that, 
being  aware  of  the  esteem  entertained  by 
Pope  Pins  VII.  for  Cardinal  Gonsalvi,  his 
Secretary  of  State,  he  addressed  himself  to 
the  latter,  and  laid  before  his  Eminence  all 
the  motives  of  his  reqnest,  in  such  a  man- 
ner, that  the  Cardinal  was  perfectly  con- 
vinced of  their  justice.  He  mentioned  the 
matter  to  the  Pope,  and  the  American  Mis- 
sion was  finally  determined  upon,  the  Holy 
Father  deputing  Cardinal  Gonsalvi  to  settle 
the  whole  affair  with  Father  Sicardi,  vicar- 
general  of  the  Congregation. 

The  venerable  old  man  yielded,  with 
respect,  to  the  orders  of  the  Pope,  in  which 
he  beheld  a  clear  manifestation  of  the  will 
of  God.  He  had  an  interview  with  Cardinal 
Gonsalvi  on  the  2  yth  of  September,  in 
which,  by  mutual  agreement,  they  planned 
the  manner  in  which  the  mission  should  be 
regulated,  the  number  of  subjects  that 
"would  be  requisite,  and  they  particularly 
had  in  view  the  erection  of  a  seminary. 
Father  De  Andreis  was  filled  with  holy  joy, 
riot  unmingled,  however,  with  that  salutary 
fear,  which  all  Apostolic  men  feel,  of  not 
fulfilling  worthily  the  duties  of  their  sacred 
ministry.  He  remembered  Father  Rosati, 
his  former  disciple,  to  whom  he  had  pre- 
dicted, several  years  before,  that  he  would 


68  Life  of 

accompany  him  on  a  mission  to  the  English . 
Father  Rosati  was  then  about  forty  miles 
from  Rome.  Father  De  Andreis  wrote  to 
ask  him  if  he  had  any  wish  to  join  the 
projected  mission,  but  did  not,  in  the  least, 
urge  him  to  do  so.  He  received  an  answer 
in  the  affirmative,  and  several  other  priests 
spontaneously  offered  their  services,  as  did 
also  a  student  of  the  Propaganda. 

A  memorable  day  was  that  of  the  I4th  of 
October,  on  which  Bishop  Dubourg,  sur- 
rounded by  his  little  colony  of  missionaries, 
composed  of  the  Reverend  Messrs.  Felix 
De  Andreis,  John-Baptist  Acquaroni,  and 
Joseph  Rosati ;  Mr.  Joseph  Pereira,  postu- 
lant priest,  Mr.  Leo  Deys,  a  student  of  the 
Propaganda,  and  Anthony  Boboni,  a  postu- 
lant lay-brother ,N>went  to  pay  their  respects 
to  the  Pope,  and  ask  his  Apostolic  blessing. 
The  Holy  Father  received  them  most  cordi- 
ally, and  conversed  with  them  for  nearly  an 
hour  ;  exhorting  them  to  put  entire  trust  in 
the  Lord,  who  had  called  them  to  his  holy 
ministry ;  animating  them  to  bear  cheerfully 
the  many  labors  and  trials  which  are  in- 
separable from  the  Apostolic  mission,  and, 
on  the  part  of  God,  predicting  innumerable 
blessings,  both  for  themselves  and  those  to 
whom  they  were  going  to  preach  the  divine 
word. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreist  C.  M.  69 

Father  De  Andreis,  in  the  name  of  all, 
had  drawn  up  a  petition,  in  which  he 
begged  the  Pope  to  allow  them  to  celebrate 
the  office  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  with 
double  minor  rites,  on  the  27th  of  Septem- 
ber, on  which  day  the  affair  of  the  American 
mission  was  concluded  ;  he  also  asked  for  a 
plenary  indulgence,  to  be  gained  in  all  the 
churches  of  the  Congregation,  on  the  3rd  of 
December,  feast  of  St.  Francis  Xavier;  and 
for  any  students  of  the  Alberonian  college  *  ) 
who  might  wish  to  join  them,  a  dispensa- 
tion from  the  promise  which  they  make  to 
remain  in  their  own  diocese.  He  likewise 
begged,  for  all,  the  faculty  of  confessing, 
during  the  journey,  to  any  approved  con- 
fessor; to  make  the  stations  with  the  crucifix, 
and  erect  the  Via  Crucis,  in  all  places  where 
convents  of  the  Franciscan  order  did  not 
exist.  Finally,  he  requested  the  Pope,  by 
word  of  mouth,  to  allow  them  to  say  mass 
in  the  ship  which  was  to  take  them  to  their 
place  of  destination.  Pius  VII.,  having 
graciously  granted  all  these  petitions  affec- 
tionately took  leave  of  them. 

They  then  went  to  bid  farewell  to  Cardi- 
nal Litta,  who  also  received  them  most 
kindly ;  and,  having  long  experience  in 
such  matters,  as  Prefect  of  the  Congregation 

*)  Th«  ecclesiastical  college  in  Placentia  founded 
by  Cardinal  Alberoni, 


70  Life  of 

of  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith,  he  told 
them  that  he  felt  quite  sure  of  the  ultimate 
success  of  their  mission.  With  regard  to 
the  seminary  that  was  to  be  erected,  the 
cardinal  said  that  the  revenues  of  the  see  of 
New  Orleans  would,  when  collected,  abun- 
dantly suffice  for  its  endowment. 

At  last,  the  day  for  the  departure  of  the 
first  band  of  missionaries  was  appointed, 
and  they  accordingly  embarked  for  Marseil- 
les the  night  of  the  2ist  of  October,  at  Ripa 
Grande,  intending  to  join  the  others  at  Bor- 
deaux, where  all  were  to  await  the  arrival 
of  Bishop  Dubourg.  Father  De  Andreis 
had  drawn  up  some  regulations  to  be  ob- 
served on  the  journey  ;  these  he  gave  them 
at  the  moment  of  their  departure.  He  him- 
self remained  in  Rome  to  make,  under  the 
direction  of  the  vicar-general,  the  necessary 
arrangements  concerning  the  mission. 

He  made,  meanwhile,  a  choice  collection 
of  theological  and  controversial  works, 
catechisms  and  sacred  liturgies  an  ample 
provision  of  vestments  and  pious  pictures. 
Several  benefactors  presented  him  with 
sacred  vessels,  chalices  and  pyxes ;  a  con- 
siderable sum  of  money  was  offered  him  by 
many  worthy  prelates  ;  and,  in  particular, 
one  hundred  ducats  by  the  archbishop  of 
Naples.  At  length,  with  many  tears,  yet 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  71 

with  the  greatest  firmness,  he  parted  from 
his  numerous  friends,  his  brethren  of  Monte 
Citorio,  and  the  vicar-general,  Father 
Sicardi,  on  the  i5th  of  December,  1815. 
He  took  with  him,  from  Rome,  a  priest  of 
that  city  and  two  young  men  who  aspired 
to  the  ecclesiastical  career;  one  of  the 
latter,  Mr.  Dahmen ,  afterwards  entered  the 
Congregation.  The  route  taken  by  Father 
De  Andreis  was  that  of  Bologna.  Passing 
through  Placentia,  he  traversed  Piedmont, 
and,  having  entered  France,  directed  his 
steps  towards  Bordeaux. 

As  he  went  out  of  the  Flaminian  gate, 
his  heart  palpitated  with  holy  joy,  and  the 
most  lively  gratitude  to  God  for  the  Apos- 
tolic ministry,  to  which  he  was  destined,  in 
a  foreign  land  ;  for  the  sufferings  he  would 
meet  with  while  laboring  to  extend  the 
kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ ;  and  for  his  escape 
from  the  episcopal  dignity,  for  which  he 
knew  he  had  been  marked  out  in  Rome. 
While  he  encouraged  those  who  accom- 
panied him,  he  preserved  the  utmost  recol- 
lection, constantly  expressing,  interiorly, 
to  his  God,  the  deep  feelings  with  which  he 
was  penetrated. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Journey  of  Father  De  Andreis  and  Companions  from 
Rome  to  Bordeaux  and  thence  to  Baltimore. 

ON  the  27th  of  December  1815,  Father 
De  Andreis  arrived  at  Placentia,  where  he 
had  the  pleasure  of  again  meeting  a  number 
of  his  former  fellow  students,  professors  and 
superiors.  He  preserved,  during  the  whole 
course  of  his  life,  for  those  who  had  been 
his  first  guides  and  directors,  the  same 
esteem  and  affection  which  he  felt  for  them 
at  the  very  first.  He  frequently  spoke  of 
them  with  pleasure,  recalling  the  virtues  he 
noticed  in  them  ~and  mentioned  particularly 
Fathers  Alliora^Giordana,  De  Petris  and 
Girodi. 

On  the  3oth,  he  left  Placentia,  taking 
with  him  Brother  Martin  Blanka.  He 
arrived  at  Turin  on  the  2d  of  January  1816, 
at  Montpelier  on  the  1 7th  and  at  Bordeaux 
on  the  3Oth.  From  this  place  he  wrote  im- 
mediately to  the  vicar-general  of  the  Con- 
gregation of  the  Mission,  and,  to  avoid  re- 
petition, we  will  give  his  own  account  as 
contained  in  that  letter,  dated  Bordeaux, 
Febmary  ist,  1816. 

(72) 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  73 

4 'VERY  REVEREND  SIR  : 

"I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  of  onr 
safe  arrival,  on  the  3oth  ult.,  having  left 
behind  us,  at  Toulouse,  our  companions 
who  started  from  Rome  two  months  before 
we  did,  and  who  will  not  be  able  to  reach 
Bordeaux  for  five  or  six  days,  on  account  of 
the  disasters  they  experienced  during  their 
sea-voyage.  I  cannot  express  the  consola- 
tion I  received  on  meeting  them  at  Tou- 
louse, after  having  felt  so  much  grief  at 
Montpelier,  when  I  had  reason  to  fear  that 
they  had  been  shipwrecked ;  so  much  so, 
that  I  had  interiorly  offered  their  loss  as  a 
sacrifice  to  God.  May  he  be  continually 
blessed,  that  good  God,  Qui  mortificat  et 
vivificat,  deducit  ad  inferos  et  reducit;  he 
desires  to  detach  me  from  everything.  .  .  . 
As  far  as  I  am  myself  concerned,  the 
journey  has  been  most  beneficial,  notwith- 
standing the  difficulties  we  encountered 
among  the  mountains  of  Savoy,  on  account 
of  the  cold  weather  and  the  almost  incredi- 
ble amount  of  snow  wrhich  had  fallen.  On 
one  occasion,  we  were  obliged  to  take  the 
horses  from  the  carriage,  and  remain  in  the 
vehicle  during  a  terrible  storm,  which 
threatened  to  overwhelm  us  ;  we  were  also 
compelled  to  go  part  of  the  way  on  foot,  and, 
the  snow  being  above  our  knees,  we  almost 


74  Life  of 

perished.  But,  after  all  this,  when  we 
traversed  Dauphiny,  Provence,  Languedoc, 
and  Gascouy,  there  was  not  an  inch  of  snow 
on  the  ground,  and  the  weather  became 
quite  mild.  .  .  .  The  excellent  and  saintly 
bishop  of  Bordeaux  was  kind  enough  to 
give  me  lodging  in  his  palace,  and  a  seat 
at  his  own  table  ;  he  appointed  me  chaplain 
of  the  prisons.  My  companions  are  placed 
with  different  pious  persons,  and  some  of 
them  in  the  houses  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity, 
the  three  Sister-Servants  of  which  houses, 
came  to  visit  me  to-day;  they  are  ready  to 
follow  us  to  Louisiana,  and  I  intend  to  make 
arrangements  on  the  subject,  with  Father 
Hanon  at  Paris.  .  .  .  The  affairs  of  the  Con- 
gregation in  France,  are  taking  a  favorable 
turn,  the  Court  having  issued  a  decree  for 
its  re-establishment,  and  several  priests, 
with  a  few  novices,  have  already  joined 
Father  Hanon.  I  beg  you  to  recommend 
us  to  the  Lord,  and  to  ask  our  good  fellow 
missionaries,  to  do  the  same,  so  that  I,  by 
my  sins  and  my  pride,  may  not  spoil  the 
work  of  God,  that  I  may  learn  to  humble 
myself,  thoroughly,  and  thus  become  an  in- 
strument in  the  hands  of  God,  to  perform 
whatever  his  divine  providence  has  decreed, 
ut  sive  per  vitam,  sive  per  mortem,  nomen 
Dei  glorificetur ,  etc," 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  75 

Other  more  minute  particulars  of  the 
journey  are  narrated  by  Father  De  Audreis 
in  some  of  his  writings  ;  we  will  give  them 
here,  in  order  to  describe  more  fully  some 
things  that  he  has  barely  mentioned  above. 
The  following  are  his  own  words : 

"On  the  5th  of  January,  we  went  to  Susa, 
and,  the  next  day,  being  the  feast  of  the 
Bpiphany,  having  availed  myself,  literally, 
of  the  privilege  ante  auroram,  by  saying 
Mass  at  a  very  early  hour,  we  set  out  to 
climb  Mount  Cenis,  which  was  covered  with 
snow,  the  weather  being  pretty  cold.  The 
7th,  which  happened  to  be  Sunday,  was  a 
memorable  day  for  us.  It  had  been  snow- 
ing all  night,  and,  the  wind  being  very 
high,  blew  the  snow  in  all  directions;  how- 
ever, we  started  before  day-light ;  but,  when 
we  had  gone  two  or  three  leagues,  we  were 
compelled  to  stop,  for  besides  the  great 
fatigue  of  the  horses,  which  were  knee  deep 
in  snow,  and  lashed  continually  by  the  icy 
gusts,  there  was  danger  of  falling  into  the 
precipices,  which,  in  Savoy,  nearly  always 
border  the  public  roads;  and  the  snow  was 
now  so  deep,  that  it  was  difficult  to  distin- 
guish the  road  from  the  rest  of  the  neighbor- 
hood. In  this  extremity,  the  driver  saw  no 
other  hope  of  safety,  but  in  taking  the 
horses  from  the  coach,  it  being  impossible 


76  Life  of 

for  us  to  turn  back,  as  there  was  no  meaus 
of  moving  the  vehicle.  He,  therefore,  left 
us  in  this  plight,  between  a  mountain  on 
one  hand,  and,  on  the  other,  a  precipice 
into  which  the  wind  might  easily  blow  the 
coach;  and,  though  the  latter  seemed  her- 
metically closed,  the  snow  came  in,  imper- 
ceptibly, through  the  openings,  annoying 
and  covering  us,  without  our  knowing 
whence  it  came.  When  we  had  been  for 
two  hours  exposed  to  the  danger  of  rolling 
into  the  snow,  and  being  buried  therein, 
the  driver  re-appeared,  and,  having  rehar- 
nessed  the  horses,  took  us  on  a  few, leagues 
further  to  the  town  of  Bramante,  where  we 
dismounted  at  a  miserable  inn.  I  inquired 
immediately  if  it  were  possible  to  say  Mass  ; 
but  our  hostess  told  me  that  the  church 
was  far  off,  and,  that,  in  consequence  of 
the  weather,  it  would  be  out  of  the  ques- 
tion to  convey  me  there.  Her  husband  en- 
tering a  short  time  after,  I  repeated  my  en- 
quiry, and  he  replied  that  the  church  was 
not  distant  more  than  a  stone's  throw, 
telling  me  he  would  go  on  before,  and  that 
we  might  follow  him.  We  set  out  then, 
up  to  the  waist  in  snow,  without  any  path, 
our  eyes  completely  dazzled,  and  our  breath 
taken  away  by  the  wind  and  drift.  After  a 
few  steps,  our  guide,  who  was  accustomed 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  77 

to  run  like  a  greyhound,  soon  disappeared, 
leaving  us  quite  bewildered  in  the  midst  of 
a  sea  of  snow,  unable  to  distinguish  the 
place  whence  we  started,  or  that  to  which 
we  were  going ;  since  the  wind  and  the 
snow,  falling  in  torrents,  prevented  us  from 
opening  our  eyes.  Almost  frozen  to  death, 
though  covered  with  perspiration  and  pant- 
ing from  our  efforts  to  struggle  against  the 
wind  and  snow,  we  were,  for  an  instant, 
breathless ;  and  thinking  that  death  was 
inevitable  I  could  not  refrain  from  blaming 
my  own  imprudence.  At  length,  it  pleased 
God  to  let  us  reach  the  church.  But  we 
were  more  dead  than  alive,  and  were  at 
least  a  quarter  of  an  hour  recovering  our 
breath.  Our  clothes  were,  externally,  cov- 
ered with  a  thick  coating  of  ice,  as  hard  as 
stone,  while  interiorly,  they  were  wet 
with  perspiration  and  with  the  snow,  which 
melted  under  the  influence  of  our  natural 
heat.  The  church  was  full,  and  the  pastor 
was  most  urgent  in  his  request  that  I  should 
preach.  Besides  the  fact  that  I  was  not 
yet  sufficiently  master  of  the  French  lan- 
guage to  be  able  to  preach  ex  abrupto,  I 
was  then  in  such  a  state,  that  the  depart- 
ing prayers  might  have  been  read  over  me. 
Without  a  fire  or  a  place  to  rest,  it  was  in 
the  bread  of  the  strong  that  I  sought  my 


78  Life  of 

refuge.  I  said  Mass  then,  and  could  hardly 
believe  that  I  left  the  Church  alive.  The 
following  day  we  went  to  San  Michele.  .  .  . 
On  the  I3th,  I  said  Mass  at  Valence,  in  the 
cathedral,  which  contains  the  relics  of  Pius 
VI.,  enclosed  in  an  elegant  marble  shrine, 
which  would  show  to  advantage,  even  at 
St.  Peter's.  On  the  lyth,  we  arrived  at 
Montpelier,  where  our  disappointed  wish  of 
saying  Mass,  caused  us  to  remain  fasting 
until  five  in  the  afternoon.  The  bishop 
gave  us  lodging  in  the  seminary,  where  we 
rested  until  the  2oth. 

"I  was  most  anxious  to  receive  tidings  of 
my  companions,  who,  under  the  protection 
of  Father  Rosati,  were  coming  on  by  sea. 
A  lady  who  visited  me,  in  order  to  enquire 
after  Bishop  Dubourg,  told  me,  that  out  of 
twenty-one  vessels,  that  had  sailed  for  the 
southern  ports  of  France,  nineteen  had  per- 
ished. Such  news  as  this  combined  with 
the  fact  that  we  had  been  so  long  without 
hearing  from  them,  made  me  conceive  the 
most  lively  apprehensions  concerning  their 
safety;  and  God  only  knows  what  a  night  I 
passed,  beholding  them,  in  imagination, 
shipwrecked  on  the  stormy  waves.  On  the 
24th,  we  went  to  Toulouse,  and  great  in- 
deed was  our  joy  in  embracing  all  our  be- 
loved companions,  who,  on  their  side,  had 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  79 

been  equally  distressed  on  our  account.  We 
spent  two  days  with  them  at  the  Grand 
Seminary,  and  then  we  started  for  Bordeaux, 
which  place  had  been  selected  as  our  abode 
until  our  embarkation.  Having  crossed  the 
province  of  Gascony,  we  arrived  at  the  last 
named  city  on  the  3oth,  and  it  would  be 
difficult  for  me  to  describe  the  warm  and 
cordial  welcome  given  us  by  the  saintly 
Archbishop,  the  Most  Reverend  Charles 
d'Aviared  Du  Bois  cle  Sanzai ;  he  had  the 
kindness  to  keep  me  with  him  for  the  space 
of  four  months  and  a  half,  and  appointed 
for  each  member  of  our  two  parties,  a  lodg- 
ing in  some  community,  or  in  the  house  of 
one  of  his  clergymen.  He  gave  me,  at 
once,  all  the  faculties,  and  came  himself  to 
install  me  as  chaplain  of  the  prison  of 
Chateau  du  Ha,  where  I  used  to  say  Mass 
on  festival  days,  preach,  hear  confessions, 
etc."  (Journal  written  by  Father  De  An- 
dreis.) 

The  zeal  of  Father  De  Andreis  was  not 
limited  to  the  comfort  and  spiritual  direc- 
tion of  these  prisoners  ;  its  effects  were  felt 
in  all  the  functions  of  the  holy  ministry 
which  he  fulfilled.  As  he  became  known 
in  the  place,  many  sought  him  out,  some 
for  counsel,  others  for  direction,  and  all 
classes  of  this  large  city  derived  immense 


80  Life  of 

benefit  from  the  ample  powers  granted  him 
by  the  excellent  Archbishop.  But,  in  speak- 
ing on  this  subject,  we  shall  no  longer  be 
able  to  refer  to  the  words  of  Father  De  An- 
dreis,  always  so  reserved  with  regard  to 
himself ;  we  will,  therefore,  have  recourse 
to  Bishop  Rosati,  who  was  an  eye-witness 
of  the  good  he  did. 

"The  servant  of  God  visited  the  jails, 
comforting  the  poor  prisoners,  with  all  the 
consolations  that  religion  affords,  according 
to  the  counsel  and  example  of  his  holy 
founder  St.  Vincent.  He  said  Mass  for 
them  on  feast-days,  preached  the  truths  of 
the  gospel,  instructed  them  in  all  their 
religious  duties,  and,  having  thus  prepared 
their  hearts,  gave  them  a  retreat  of  some 
days,  by  means  of  which  a  great  number 
were  led  to  confess  their  sins  with  lively 
sorrow,  and  receive  the  most  holy  Eucharist. 
The  Sisters  of  Charity,  founded  also  by  St. 
Vincent,  seeing  him  so  zealous  and  skilful 
in  the  discharge  of  all  these  works  of  mercy, 
would  send  for  the  'Italian  missionary'  to 
assist  every  one  of'  these  poor  wretches. 
They,  likewise,  thought  themselves  most 
fortunate  in  having,  within  their  reach,  a 
priest,  who  seemed  a  living  portrait  of  St. 
Vincent ;  and  the  continual  acts  of  virtue, 
of  which  he  gave  them  the  example,  in- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  8t 

duced  them  to  treat  him  with  the  utmost 
veneration,  while  they  tendered  him  the 
kindest  assistance.  They  consulted  him  as 
a  father  and  director,  being  desirous  of 
learning  the  most  perfect  manner  of  dis- 
charging their  holy  duties.  The  servant  of 
God  condescended  to  their  pious  wishes, 
and,  though  they  were  already  very  virtu- 
ous, they  gladly  derived  much  benefit  from 
his  instructions  and  guidance. 

"Father  De  Andreis  attended  to  these 
good  works,  and  many  others  besides,  with- 
out the  least  ostentation,  and,  as  much  as 
possible,  wished  to  be  taken  for  some  un- 
known traveller.  He  rejoiced  in  this  ob- 
scurity, which  was  so  dear  to  him,  and 
which  is  always  so  much  desired  by  the 
children  of  St.  Vincent ;  but,  in  spite  of  his 
desire,  his  reputation  and  the  esteem  in 
which  he  was  held  by  the  most  eminent 
persons,  continually  increased.  The  Vicars- 
general  of  the  Archbishop,  the  Canons  of 
the  cathedral,  the  priests  of  the  city  and 
those  of  the  country,  whose  business  took 
them  to  Bordeaux,  sought  his  acquaintance, 
had  frequent  interviews  with  him,  and  never 
left  his  presence  without  being  deeply  im- 
pressed with  his  eminent  qualities.  One 
would  admire  the  depth  of  his  knowledge, 
another  the  holiness  of  his  life,  and  all,  the 


82  Life  of 

suavity  and  prudence  of  his  demeanor. 
Their  admiration  amounted  to  enthusiasm 
when  they  heard  him  speak  of  the  Church 
in  Rome,  and  the  heroic  sufferings  endured 
by  Pius  VII.,  who  was  then  just -liberated 
from  the  species  of  slavery  to  which  he  had 
been  subjected.  They  pressed  him  with 
questions  on  the  number  and  form  of  the 
different  pious  institutions  then  existing  in 
Rome,  and  also  desired  him  to  tell  them 
about  the  various  devout  practices  which 
are  observed  in  Italy.  To  all  this  he  replied 
with  such  clearness  and  precision,  accom- 
panied with  so  much  affability,  that  they 
were  scarcely  able  to  part  from  him.  They 
often  returned  to  listen  to  him,  anxious  to 
learn  something  new.  To  satisfy  their 
wishes,  he  one  day  gave  them  a  pathetic 
description  of  a  devotion,  which  was  then 
quite  popular  in  Italy,  and  was  called,  The 
Three  Hours  of  Our  Lorfrs  Agony.  'It 
is  usually  made,'  said  the  servant  of  God, 
'on  Good  Friday,  and  is  begun  at  twelve 
o'clock,  to  be  concluded  at  three.  A  Cal- 
vary, with  the  representation  of  our  Saviour 
nailed  to  the  cross,  on  the  point  of  expiring, 
is  erected  in  the  sanctuary  of  the  church. 
The  assembled  crowd  sing  some  hymn,  in 
a  mournful  strain,  on  the  first  words  of  our 
Lord  on  the  cross.  This  over,  the  priest 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis  >  C.  M.  83 

ascends  the  pulpit,  repeats  the  words  and 
comments  upon  them  by  some  pious  reflec- 
tions of  a  nature  to  touch  the  hearts  of  his 
auditors  ;  after  this,  he  reads  a  short  medi- 
tation upon  the  same  subject.  All  listen  to 
him  with  the  utmost  attention,  and  in  pro- 
found silence  and  recollection,  reflect  upon 
the  thoughts  suggested  to  them ;  some 
prayers  follow,  and  then  another  hymn  is 
sung  on  the  second  words  of  our  Lord  on 
the  cross,  and  so  on,  until  the  seventh 
word  ;  and  between  the  hymns,  meditations 
and  readings,  the  auditors  are  excited  to 
feelings  of  love,  gratitude  and  repentance, 
according  to  the  extent  of  the  preacher's 
ability.' 

"While  Father  De  Andreis  was  relating 
the  above,"  continues  Bishop  Rosati,  "the 
Archbishop  and  his  Vicars  experienced  an 
ardent  desire  to  introduce  the  holy  practice 
which  he  described  ;  and,  having  prepared 
all  that  was  requisite  in  one  of  the  con- 
ventual churches,  they  entreated  Father  De 
Andreis  to  superintend  the  arrangements 
and  to  preach.  Crowds  attended  the  ex- 
ercises, which  created  such  a  sensation 
that,  though  they  were  performed  for  the 
first  time  at  Bordeaux  by  the  servant  of 
God,  during  the  following  years  they  were 
introduced  into  several  other  churches  of 
France. 


84  Life  of 

"The  favorable  impression  which  the 
sermons  of  Father  De  Andreis  produced 
upon  all,  induced  the  Archbishop  to  confide 
to  him  the  duty  of  giving  the  usual  retreat 
to  the  seminarists  and  the  candidates  for 
ordination.  The  servant  of  God  endeavored 
to  avoid  this  charge,  alleging  .that  he  had 
not  his  manuscripts  with  him,  besides 
which,  he  declared  that  he  was  not  as  yet 
sufficiently  familiar  with  the  French  lan- 
guage to  be  able  to  address  persons  of  edu- 
cation. But  the  orders  of  his  superiors  made 
him  overcome  his  reluctance,  so  that  he 
applied  himself  to  the  undertaking  that  was 
required  of  him,  and  succeeded  so  well  that 
all  these  young  aspirants  to  the  priesthood 
were  penetrated  with  the  sacred  and  sub- 
lime truths  which  he  imparted  to  them." 

In  the  meantime  Father  De  Andreis  did 
not  forget  the  companions  of  his  mission, 
either  those  he  brought  with  him  from 
Rome,  or  others  who  came  subsequently  to 
join  the  Apostolic  expedition.  He  revived 
their  zeal  by  his  frequent  exhortations,  and 
so  animated  their  courage  that  they  felt 
ready  for  every  peril  they  were  about  to. 
encounter,  heartily  resolving  to  die  for  the 
glory  of  God JL  in  a  word,  he  made  of  them 
so  many  intrepid  apostles.  While  he  was 
thus  encouraging  them  by  his  fervid  dis- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andrds>  C.  M.  85 

courses,  he  received  a  letter  from  Bishop 
Dubourg,  wherein  the  Prelate  informed 
him  of  a  great  change  that  he  was  com- 
pelled to  make  in  their  destination.  He  no 
longer  intended  that  they  should  proceed  to 
New  Orleans,  situated  about  a  hundred 
miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi, 
but  to  St.  Louis,  which  is  on  the  banks  of 
the  same  river,  about  twelve  hundred  miles 
above.  The  principal  reason  that  induced 
the  bishop  to  make  this  alteration  in  their 
route,  was  the  great  advantage  which,  he 
trusted,  would  be  derived  from  it,  both  by 
the  Catholics  who,  almost  destitute  of 
religious  succor,  were  dispersed  throughout 
the  country,  and  by  the  Indians,  who  are 
more  within  reach  at  St.  Louis  than  at  New 
Orleans.  It  was  on  this  account  that  the 
first  house  of  the  Mission  with  its  seminary 
was  built  there,  and,  as  both  English  and 
French  were  spoken  at  St.  Louis,  the  bishop 
concluded  his  letter  by  saying  that  it  was 
absolutely  necessary  that  the  missionaries 
should  learn  the  former  language. 

This  unforeseen  determination  did  not 
discourage  Father  De  Andreis  ;  on  the  con- 
trary, it  met  with  his  entire  approbation 
and  was,  in  all,  conformable  to  his  own 
views.  He  joyfully  announced  it  to  his 
companions,  "Now  then,"  said  he,  "let 


86  Life  of 

us  take  courage,  gentlemen  ;  I  see  that  the 
English  language  will,  indeed,  be  indis- 
pensable to  us."  "When  he  spoke  thus," 
adds  Bishop  Rosati,  (who  was  then  only  a 
missionary,)  "I  recalled  to  mind  what  he 
had  told  me,  some  years  before,  in  Rome  : 
That  the  English  language  would,  one  day, 
be  necessary  for  us  both,  as  we  should  be 
obliged  to  preach  in  that  tongue,  and  that  it 
was,  therefore,  more  necessary  jor  me  to 
learn  it  than  Hebrew,  which  I  teas  then 
studying.  His  prediction  was  verified  to 
the  letter.  I  perceived  it  in  the  circum- 
stance of  our  change  of  destination,  and  my 
esteem  for  the  servant  of  God  was,  in  con- 
sequence, very  much  increased ;  in  him,  I 
beheld  a  living  saint,  to  whom  the  Almighty 
vouchsafed  to  reveal  the  future.  But  he 
took  care  not  to  remind  me  of  what  he  had 
said,  for  his  humility  always  prompted  him 
to  conceal  his  supernatural  gifts. 

"On  the  2 ad  of  May,  the  eve  of  the  Ascen- 
sion, Bishop  Dubourg  arrived  at  Bordeaux. 
He  was  accompanied  by  a  band  of  young 
men,  partly  ecclesiastics  and  partly  secu- 
lars aspiring  to  the  sacerdotal  dignity,  all 
equally  longing  to  embark  for  America,  in 
order  to  share  in  the  holy  enterprise.  We 
were  reanimated  by  the  presence  of  this 
distinguished  Prelate,  who  confirmed  our 


Very  Mev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  87 

resolution  of  going  to  St.  Louis,  and  took 
immediate  measures  to  prepare  the  depart- 
ure of  the  first  band,  of  which  Father  De 
Andreis  was  the  head,  the  bishop  intending 
to  set  out  shortly  after  with  the  second 
division  of  our  company." 

The  servant  of  God  announced  these 
occurrences  to  the  vicar-general  in  Rome, 
by  a  letter  of  the  28th  of  May,  of  the  follow- 
ing tenor  : 

"A  few  days  ago,  Bishop  Dubourg 
arrived  here  ;  he  constantly  endears  himself 
more  and  more  to  us  all.  A  real  father 
could  not  show  us  more  affection,  or  be  more 
solicitous  for  our  welfare.  Besides  this,  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  city,  especially  the 
clergy,  overwhelm  us  with  kindness,  and 
have  bestowed  many  considerable  presents 
upon  us.  The  Sisters  of  Charity  treat  us 
as  brothers,  and  volumes  would  not  suffice 
to  record  the  benefits  which  we  have  re- 
ceived from  them.  Happening  to  find  all 
the  superiors  together  yesterday,  I  took  the 
opportunity  of  delivering  your  message, 
which  they  received  with  much  pleasure. 
In  a  word,  Providence  showers  down  its 
blessings  upon  our  mission,  so  much  so, 
that  I  am  covered  with  confusion  at  the 
sight  of  my  incapacity  for  so  great  an  en- 
terprise. Through  just  and  prudent  motives, 


88  Life  of 

our  plan  has  been  changed,  and  instead  of 
going  to  New  Orleans,  the  capital  of  Lower 
Louisiana,  we  are  going  four  hundred 
leagues  higher,  to  St.  Louis,  the  capital  of 
the  upper  part  of  the  province.  I  have, 
therefore,  been  obliged  to  apply  myself 
seriously  to  the  study  of  the  English  lan- 
guage. We  shall  go  to  Philadelphia,  or 
Baltimore,  and  thence  by  land  some  eight 
hundred  leagues  farther,  through  the  woods, 
among  musquitoes,  wolves,  bears,  panthers, 
rattle-snakes,  and  savages  almost  more 
ferocious  than  the  wild  beasts  themselves. 
We  shall  be  obliged  to  sleep  under  trees, 
making  large  fires  around  to  keep  off  in- 
truders. I  regret  that  we  shall  have  to 
change  our  costume  for  the  secular  dress, 
but  this  will  be  only  for  a  while.  Four  of 
the  priests  who  came  with  us  from  Rome 
have  left  us  ;  but  we  have  been  more  than 
compensated  for  their  desertion  by  many 
others  who  have  joined  our  band.  This 
morning,  the  bishop  will  conclude  his  bar- 
gain with  an  American  captain  for  our 
speedy  departure ;  we  are  to  form  the  van- 
guard, about  twelve  in  number,  and  shall 
remain  a  short  time  in  Kentucky  to  await 
the  bishop,  who  is  not  to  leave  Bordeaux 
until  October,  and  who,  consequently,  will 
not  be  with  us  before  next  vear.  Our  new 


,     Very  Rev.  Felix  DC  Andreis,  C.  M.  89 

destination  possesses  many  advantages  over 
New  Orleans ;  the  climate  is  healthy,  the 
manners  of  the  people  simple,  and,  as  yet, 
free  from  European  vanities.  St.  Ivouis  is 
also  a  trading-point  for  all  the  Indian 
nations,  and  offers  many  resources  for  our 
establishment.  As  for  me,  I  am  in  one 
continued  transport  of  delight  and  admira- 
tion on  beholding  how  Divine  Providence 
has,  by(inexplicablev;and  stupendous  ways, 
led  me  to  the  summit  of  my  desires,  those 
very  desires  with  which  he  himself  had  in- 
spired me,  which  he  fostered  in  my  heart, 
and  towards  the  accomplishment  of  which 
he  guided  me  imperceptibly  during  so  many 
years.  It  seems  to  me  that  we  are  all  well 
resolved  to  become  good  missionaries,  and 
to  seek  nothing  else  in  this  world  but  God 
and  the  salvation  of  souls." 

As  Father  De  Andreis  said  in  his  letter, 
the  arrangements  for  their  departure  were 
to  be  concluded  on  the  28th  of  May,  with 
the  captain  of  an  American  vessel ;  but 
some  difficulties  having  arisen,  the  contract 
was  broken  off,  and  hence,  to  the  disap- 
pointment of  all,  their  embarkation  was  de- 
ferred for  a  few  days  longer.  Father  De 
Andreis  tranquilly  resigned  himself  to 
await  another  opportunity.  It  was,  shortly 
after,  known  that  this  vessel  having  been 


90  Life  of 

assailed  at  a  little  distance  from  Bordeaux, 
by  a  furious  tempest,  was  lost,  with  all  be- 
longing to  her !  Father  De  Andreis  often 
related  this  sad  occurrence,  with  the  remark, 
that,  under  human  opposition,  God  always 
conceals  designs  of  particular  mercy  towards 
his  servants. 

The  final  arrangements  for  their  journey 
were  taken  with  the  master  of  a  brig  called 
the  Hanger;  and  everything  being  v satis- 
factorily 'concluded,  the  Missionaries  em- 
barked on  the  1 2th  of  June.  Bishop  Du- 
bourg,  who  was  obliged  to  remain  in  France 
for  the  affairs  of  his  diocese,  accompanied 
them  to  the  harbor,  and  while  bidding  them 
farewell,  exhorted  them,  in  the  most  press- 
ing manner,  to  be  obedient  in  everything 
to  Father  De  Andreis,  whom  he  constituted, 
not  only  superior  of  this  band,  but  also  his 
vicar  and  representative  in  all  that  related 
to  the  concerns  of  his  diocese.  They  were 
moved  to  tears  at  his  words,  and  before 
leaving,  he  embraced  and  blessed  each  one 
of  them  ;  then,  entering  a  small  boat,  they 
were  conveyed  to  the  ship,  where  they  spent 
the  night.  As  the  next  day  was  the  feast 
of  Corpus  Christi,  and  the  ship  could  not 
set  sail,  for  want  of  a  fair  wind,  Father  De 
Andreis  and  his  companions  went  ashore, 
where  he  celebrated  the  holy  sacrifice  of  the 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M,  91 

Mass,  and  gave  them  all  holy  communion. 
Soon  after  their  retnrn  to  the  ship,  the  wind 
changed  in  their  favor,  and  the  sails  were 
set.-v  The  following  are  the  names  of  those 
who  accompanied  Father  De  Andreis : 
Fathers  Rosati  and  Acqtiaroni,  both  priests 
of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission  ;  Fathers 
Carretti  and  Ferrari,  secular  priests  from 
the  city  of  Port  Maurice  on  the  river  Genoa, 
the  former  being  Canon  of  the  collegiate 
church ;  Messrs.  Francis  Xavier  Dahmen, 
Joseph  Tichitoli,  Leo  Deys,  and  Casto  Gon- 
zalez, seminarists  ;  Brother  Martin  Blanka, 
of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission ;  and 
three  young  laymen,  Francis  Moranviller, 
Medard  Di  Latre,  and  John  Flegifout,  who 
had  some  intention  of  entering  the  Congre- 
gation as  lay-brothers. 

The  Missionaries  were  almost  the  only 
passengers  on  board  the  vessel ;  for  their 
convenience,  a  small  cabin  had  been  con- 
structed, in  which  each  one  had  his  own 
berth.  In  the  centre  was  a  table  on  which 
they  took  their  meals,  namely,  dinner  and 
supper.  This  room  soon  became  a  little 
seminary  or  rather  a  sanctuary,  for  Father 
De  Andreis,  who  was  a  great  lover  of  order 
and  regularity,  drew  up  some  rules  which 
all,  even  those  who  did  not  belong  to  the 
Congregation,  made  it  their  pleasure  to 
follow  exactly ;  so  that  the  whole  band 


92  Life  of 

seemed  transformed  into  a  religious  com- 
munity. In  the  morning  at  an  appointed 
hour,  the  signal  was  given  to  rise,  and 
half  an  hour  after,  meditation  was  begun 
by  the  reading  of  the  usual  points.  Then 
the  altar  being  prepared,  Mass  was  cele- 
brated, if  the  accidents  incidental  to  a  sea- 
voyage  did  not  prevent  it,  meditation  was 
concluded  by  the  Angelus  and  the  Litany 
of  the  Holy  Name  of  Jesus.  The  Breviary 
was  recited  in  common,  at  its  proper  time  ; 
there  were  also  hours  set  apart  for  reading 
the  New  Testament,  and  other  pious  books  ; 
also  for  moral  conferences,  and  the  study  of 
theology.  A  certain  portion  of  time  was 
allotted  to  silence,  another  to  recreation, 
particular  examination,  and  part  of  the 
Rosary,  in  which  all  joined.  Sacramental 
confession  and  a  spiritual  conference  took 
place  every  week,  Father  De  Andreis  being 
the  soul  and  director  of  these  pious  ex- 
ercises ;  all  his  companions  were  dependent 
on  him  and  we  may  say,  in  a  word,  that 
they  formed  but  one  heart  and  one  mind. 
The  captain  of  the  ship  was  struck  with 
admiration  at  their  manner  of  life,  and 
seemed  never  weary  of  contemplating  their 
union  and  recollection ;  he  testified  the 
utmost  respect  towards  each  one  of  them, 
and  sought  to  alleviate,  as  much  as  lay  in 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  93 

his  power,  the  unavoidable  inconveniences 
of  the  voyage.  He  was  a  Protestant,  but 
the  most  excellent  Catholic  could  not  have 
treated  them  better.  Whenever  the  wind 
permitted,  he  had  a  nice  awning  arranged 
on  deck,  and  would  invite  them  to  come 
and  enjoy  the  fresh  air  and  fine  weather. 
They  often  had  spiritual  reading  there,  or 
recited  part  of  the  Rosary  which  they  ended 
by  singing  the  Litany  of  Loretto.  All  those 
that  composed  their  little  band  were  gifted 
with  good  voices  and  acquainted  with 
music,  so  that  the  chant  was  really  harmo- 
nious and  delightful  to  the  ear.  And,  if 
they  sometimes  delayed  it,  the  captain 
would  beg  them  to  begin,  telling  them  how 
much  it  pleased  him  ;  and  they,  as  they 
sang,  implored  her  who  is  the  star  of  the 
sea,  to  protect  from  all  shoals  and  perils  of 
the  deep,  the  mariners  who  put  their  trust 
in  her. 

On  Sundays  and  festivals,  Mass  was  sung 
in  the  Gregorian  chant,  in  two  choirs. 
Father  De  Andreis  expounded  the  Gospel, 
and  those  who  could  not  celebrate,  went 
to  communion.  Vespers  were  solemnly 
chanted  in  the  same  way,  so  that  the  vessel, 
thus  transformed  into  a  church,  resembled 
the  bark  of  the  Apostles,  into  which  our 
Lord  so  often  entered.  With  the  same 


94 

solemnity,  they  celebrated  the  feast  of  St. 
Vincent,  and,  as  their  voyage  was  progress- 
ing but  slowly,  on  account  of  adverse  winds, 
which  caused  it  to  be  feared  that  their  pro- 
visions might  not  hold  out  in  case  of  much 
delay,  Father  De  Andreis  proposed  that  all 
should  make,  in  honor  of  the  saint,  a  vow 
by  which  they  would  bind  themselves  to 
solemnize  the  day  of  his  death,  namely,  the 
27th  of  September,  by  fasting  on  the  eve  of 
that  day,  and  preparing  for  its  celebration 
by  a  novena.  All  were  delighted  at  the 
proposal,  and  agreed  to  it  with  joy. 

St.  Vincent  soon  vouchsafed  to  manifest 
his  satisfaction  at  the  vow,  for  almost  im- 
mediately, the  wind  became  favorable,  and 
on  the  23d  of  July,  land  was  seen ;  they 
soon  entered  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  on  the 
26th,  landed  at  Baltimore. -(But  before  go- 
ing ashore,  they  chanted  the  Mass  Pro  gra- 
tmmm  actione,  with  feelings  of  love  and 
gratitude  which  can  more  easily  be  im- 
agined, than  expressed. 

The  above  description  of  this  journey, 
such  as  Bishop  Rosati  gives  it,  being  very 
short,  necessarily  omits  many  interesting 
details  ;  we  have,  therefore,  thought  that  it 
will  be  well  to  give  also  the  Journal  written 
by  Father  De  Andreis,  just  as  he  sent  it  to 
Rome  in  1819.  We  might,  certainly,  have 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  95 

inserted  it  above,  by  making,  of  the  two, 
but  one  narrative.  But  we  feared  that  some 
of  the  beauty  belonging  to  the  original, 
might  be  lost  in  passing  through  our  hands, 
and  might  also  seem  less  worthy  of  credi- 
bility ;  we  will,  therefore,  give  all  particu- 
lars, in  the  very  words  of  the  Journal,  even 
though,  by  so  doing,  we  may  repeat  some 
circumstances  already  mentioned.  Father 
De  Andreis  writes,  then,  as  follows : 

"On  the  1 2th  of  June,  having  put  on  the 
customary  dress  of  the  American  clergy, 
consisting  of  a  short  coat  cravat  and  round 
hat,  we  embarked  on  the  Garonne,  in  a 
sloop  which  conveyed  us  to  the  American 
brig  "Ranger,"  lying  at  Poliac.  Our  bag- 
gage being  already  on  board,  we  ascended 
the  sides  of  the  vessel  by  means  of  rope  lad- 
ders, our  number  amounting  to  thirteen ; 
five  priests,  four  seminarists,  one  lay-brother 
and  three  postulants,  who,  by-the-by,  all 
three  of  them,  subsequently  left  us.  Berths 
had  been  prepared  for  us  in  a  large  airy 
room  around  which  each  one  had  his  own 
place,  all  being  arranged  like  the  shelves  in 
a  library.  With  the  exception  of  a  young 
Quaker  from  Baltimore,  we  were  the  only 
passengers.  The  captain  professed  no  re- 
ligion ;  he  and  all  his  crew  were  Americans. 
Among  the  sailors  were  two  negroes  and  an 


96  Life  of 

Indian.  .The  captain,  although  a  Protes- 
tant, facilitated  as  much  as  he  could,  the 
performance  of  our  religious  exercises  ;  he 
always  treated  us  with  respect,  and  took 
pleasure  in  assisting  at  divine  service,  and 
in  hearing  us  speak  on  religious  subjects  ; 
but,  at  the  conclusion  of  our  discourse  he 
would  say  candidly,  that  he  cared  more  for 
his  dollars  than  for  his  soul,  and  that  the 
business  of  this  world  seemed  to  him  of 
more  importance  than  that  of  the  next ! 
What  lamentable  blindness ! 

"The  day  after  oiir  embarkation,  being 
the  festival  of  Corpus  Christi,  as  we  were 
still  near  laud,  four  of  us  went  ashore  at 
break  of  day,  in  the  sloop  ;  two  said  Mass, 
and  the  others  approached  the  holy  table. 
We  then  returned  in  haste  to  the  ship  ;  at 
eight  we  set  sail,  and  arrived,  towards  even- 
ing, opposite  Rohan.  On  the  i4th,  we 
availed  ourselves  of  the  privilege  granted 
us  by  the  Sovereign  Pontiff,  and  said  Mass 
in  the  ship,  having  with  us  all  the  sacred 
vessels,  and  a  good  supply  of  altar-bread, 
wine,  and  tapers.  Each  time  the  most  holy 
sacrifice  was  offered,  a  priest,  in  surplice 
and  stole,  stood  beside  the  celebrant,  with 
his  hand  on  the  base  of  the  chalice,  after 
the  consecration,  in  order  to  prevent  any 
accident.  When  we  began  our  journey,  the 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  97 

weather  was  delightful,  but  we  soon  ex- 
perienced the  effects  of  a  sea- voyage.  Being 
all  sick,  we  had  no  Mass  on  the  i5th  ;  on 
Sunday,  the  i6th,  we  had  two,  and  the 
same  number  every  succeeding  day,  except 
when  the  ship  was  tossed  about  too  violently. 
Fathers  Rosati,  Carretti,  and  the  two  pos- 
tulants, were  sick  the  whole  time.  I  suffered 
less  than  any  one.  We  had  some  stormy 
weather,  particularly  during  one  night 
which  we  spent  in  prayer  ;  it  seemed  as  if 
that  night  were  destined  to  be  our  last.  So 
furiously  did  the  waves  lash  against  the 
vessel's  sides,  that  the  planks  seemed,  every 
moment,  ready  to  give  way.  The  sailors 
were  terrified  and  the  captain  himself  ex- 
horted us  to  redouble  our  prayers.  The 
Almighty  was  pleased  to  deliver  us  from 
this  peril,  that  our  sufferings  might  be  pro- 
longed. The  victims  were  ready,  but  the 
blow  was  deferred,  He  alone  knows  why  ! 
"Before  we  left  Bordeaux  Bishop  Du- 
bourg  gave  me  a  patent  of  Vicar-General, 
and  another  to  Father  Rosati,  in  case  any 
accident  should  happen  to  me.  The  arch- 
bishop of  Bordeaux,  as  littoral  Bishop,  gave 
us  full  faculties  as  far  as  Baltimore.  While 
passing  the  coasts  of  Spain  we  saw  some 
whales,  and  other  marine  monsters,  which 
came  within  some  little  distance  of  us.  We 


98  Lije  of 

also  admired  the  flying-fish,  which  in  some 
respects  resembles  a  bird.  One  of  these 
fishes  having  fallen  one  evening  upon  the 
table  in  our  room,  we  eat  it  and  found  it 
excellent.  It  was  something  like  a  small 
cod-fish,  and  its  membranous  wings,  were 
sufficiently  extended  to  enable  it  to  fly  from 
time  to  time.  We  also  noticed  with  wonder 
and  admiration,  a  large  tower  constructed 
in  the  midst  of  the  ocean,  several  miles  from 
land,  and  seeming  to  rise  above  the  waves, 
without  any  visible  rock  to  support  it. 

"We  made  the  Novena  of  St.  Vincent, 
and  it  happened  that,  on  the  very  day  of 
his  feast,  a  negro  slave,  for  relapse  into 
theft  and  drunkenness,  was  to  undergo  the 
chastisement  which  was  customary  in  such 
cases ;  namely,  to  be  thrown  into  the  sea 
attached  to  a  rope  which  passed  under  the 
ship.  It  being  drawn  up  on  the  other  side, 
obliged  the  poor  wretch  to  pass  under  the 
vessel,  once  or  several  times,  at  the  immi- 
nent risk  of  losing  his  life  in  the  process. 
We  told  the  captain  that  it  was  a  great 
festival  for  us,  and  begged  him  to  pardon, 
for  the  sake  of  our  Saint,  the  unhappy  de- 
linquent. Luckily,  we  succeeded  in  obtain- 
ing our  request. 

"We  had  now  been  about  forty  days  at 
sea,  and  had  made  very  little  progress, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  99 

owing  to  calms,  and  adverse  winds ;  the 
captain  complained  that  the  provisions 
would  soon  be  exhausted,  and  he  feared 
that,  in  consequence,  we  should  die  of 
hunger  ;  we  were  about  three  hundred  miles 
from  Baltimore,  and,  if  we  did  not  go  back 
every  day,  at  least  we  did  not  advance  ;  we 
resolved  then,  to  make  a  vow,  in  honor  of 
St.  Vincent,  at  the  First  Vespers  of  his 
feast,  and  it  was  expressed  in  the  following 
terms : 

4 ' '  We,  the  undersigned  missionaries  of 
Louisiana,  amid  the  perils  ivJiicli  surround 
its,  being  firmly  convinced  of  the  influence 
and  special  favor  which  thou,  0  glorious  and 
illustrious  hero  of  Christian  Charity,  St. 
Vincent  of  Paul,  dost  enjoy,  before  the 
throne  of  the  Divine  Majesty;  on  this  day, 
dedicated  by  the  Church  to  the  celebration 
of  thy  glorious  triumph;  prostrate  at  thy 
feet,  implore  thee  by  the  zeal  winch  inflamed 
thy  heart  for  the  glory  of  God,  the  salvation 
of  souls,  and  the  tvelfare  of  those  who  con- 
secrate their  lives  to  promote  these  ends,  to 
accept  the  vow  we  joyfully  offer  thee,  and  by 
which  we  bind  ourselves  to  celebrate,  in  the 
best  possible  manner,  the  day  of  thy  happy 
death,  on  the  27tli  of  September,  1816,  to 
prepare  for  it  by  a  novena,  and  a  fast  ontJt& 
eve;  in  the  hope  that  thou  wilt  obtain  for  us 


TOO  Life  of 

a  favorable  wind,  ami  a  safe  termination  of 
our  voyage,  together  ivith  an  increase  of 
that  apostolic  spirit,  ivhich  was  so  conspicu- 
ous in  the  whole  course  cf  thy  holy  life. — 
Amen.1 

"As  some  of  our  number  were  French, 
the  above  words  were  translated  into  that 
language,  and  all  joined  in  making  the 
vow.  We  celebrated  the  feast  of  St.  Vincent, 
with  all  possible  solemnity;  our  little  room 
was  hung  with  sheets  festooned  with  fringes, 
and  decorated  with  reliquaries,  Agnus  Deis, 
etc.  Each  one  of  us  celebrated  the  holy 
sacrifice,  the  last  Mass  being  chanted  ;  we 
also  had  Vespers,  a  sermon  in  French,  etc. 
These  exercises  were  performed  with  heart- 
felt delight  by  every  one. 

"It  was  not  long  before  we  experienced 
the  effects  of  our  vow.  A  day  or  two  after, 
to  the  great  surprise  and  joy  of  all,  we  be- 
gan to  perceive  the  continent  of  America, 
which  seemed  at  first  only  like  a  dark  line, 
dotted  here  and  there  with  clusters  of  green 
trees.  We  soon  entered  Chesapeake  Bay, 
from  which  we  had  so  long  been  kept  away, 
by  the  current  flowing  from  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico  into  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  like  a  large 
river,  bearing  along  with  it,  masses  of  sea^ 
weed  and  other  marine  formations.  When 
we  entered  the  bay,  a  schooner  came,  accord- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  101 

ing  to  custom,  with  a  pilot  on  board,  to  take 
command  of  our  brig,  and  steer  her  through 
the  difficult  passes.  The  captain  imme- 
diately came  to  tell  us  that  the  pilot  was  a 
Catholic,  which  was,  of  course,  sufficient 
reason  for  an  interchange  of  mutual  con- 
gratulations. On  the  25th  we  drew  near 
land,  and,  Father  Acquaroni,  impatient  to 
go  ashore,  asked  my  leave  to  avail  himself 
of  the  opportunity  'presented  by  the  return 
of  the  schooner.  He  went  ashore,  and 
came  back  the  same  evening,  to  the  ship. 
Our  landing  took  place  on  the  26th  of  July, 
the  octave  day  of  St.  Vincent,  about  ten 
o'clock  in  the  morning." 


CHAPTER  V. 

Louisiana  in  1816. — Journey  of  Father  De  Andrei 3  and 
Companions  from  Baltimore  to  Bardstown. — Pro- 
fessor of  Theology  in  St.  Thomas'  Seminary.— 
Missionary  Labors. 

BEFORE  further  describing  the  journey  of 
Father  De  Andreis,  and  the  Missionaries  of 
Louisiana,  it  will  be  well  to  give  a  short 
notice  of  that  vast  country,  not  only  with 
reference  to  its  civil  and  political  situation, 
but  also  with  regard  to  the  state  of  religion. 
The  country  then  called  Louisiana,  was 
situated  on  both  banks  of  the  Mississippi, 
and  extended  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to 
the  lakes  of  Canada.  The  part  nearest  to 
Florida,  was  discovered  by  the  Spaniards, 
under  Ferdinand  De  Soto,  but  they  did  not 
long  retain  possession  of  it ;  and  the  French 
who  proceeded  thither  from  Canada,  may 
be  called  its  first  settlers,  and  the  first  who 
introduced  therein  the  Christian  religion. 
They  named  this  immense  territory  Louisi- 
ana; it  was  divided  into  two  parts,  one 
called  Upper,  and  the  other,  Lower  Louisi- 
ana. About  the  year  1720,  was  founded 
the  city  of  New  Orleans,  thus  named  from 
Philip  of  Orleans,  then  Regent  of  France, 
(102) 


Very  Rev,  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  103 

and  the  small  town  of  St.  Louis  became 
the  capital  of  Upper  Louisiana.  The  first 
mentioned  of  these  two  places  was  situated 
in  the  southern  part  of  the  country,  near 
the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi ;  and  the  other 
in  the  northern,  part,  about  eighteen  miles 
below  the  confluence  of^the  Missouri  and 
the  Mississippi.  New  Orleans  and  St.  Louis 
are  twelve  hundred  miles  apart,  by  river. 

From  the  hands  of  the  French,  Louisiana 
passed  into  those  of  the  Spaniards,  who  took 
possession  of  it  in  1763.  It  remained  thus 
until  1803,  when  Spain  restored  it  to  France, 
which  was  at  that  time  governed  by  Napo- 
leon Bonaparte.  Shortly  after,  it  was  ceded 
to  the  United  States. 

Under  the  first  dominion  of  the  French, 
the  Jesuit  fathers  came  to  Louisiana  and 
strove,  by  their  labors,  to  diffuse  around 
them  the  light  of  the  holy  gospel.  But 
the  majority  of  the  inhabitants  being  almost 
in  a  state  of  barbarism,  these  fervent  mis- 
sionaries obtained  but  little  success.  Civili- 
zation and  good  morals,  having  subse- 
quently made  some  progress  among  them, 
religion  became  more  prosperous.  Under 
the  Spanish  rule,  as  Catholicity  was  the 
only  religion  recognized  by  law,  the  govern- 
ment provided  for  the  maintenance  of  priests 
in  different  posts,  sent  missionaries  to  van- 


104  Ltfe  °f 

ous  places,  and  received  with  truly  paternal 
care,  the  French,  German,  and  American 
Catholics  who  came  to  settle  in  Louisiana, 
giving  them  portions  of  land,  and  even  pro- 
viding for  their  immediate  wants,  until  they 
were  able  to  do  so  for  themselves. 

The  Spanish  government  also  obtained 
from  Pope  Pius  VI.  the  establishment  of 
the  episcopal  see  of  New  Orleans,  in  1793. 
This  diocese  comprised  the  whole  country, 
in  this  part  of  America,  then  subject  to 
Spain  :  namely,  the  Floridas,  and  Upper 
and  Lower  Louisiana,  the  two  latter  con- 
taining about  a  million  of  square  miles,  or 
as  much  as  the  rest  of  the  United  States 
put  together.  The  first  bishop  of  New 
Orleans  was  Mgr.  Pegnalvere,  a  Spaniard 
by  birth,  who  when  the  country  was  ceded 
to  France  and  subsequently  to  the  United 
States,  was  transferred  from  New  Orleans 
to  another  episcopal  see  in  the  Spanish 
dominions  of  South  America.  That  of  New 
Orleans  being  vacant,  the  diocese  was 
governed  by  two  canons,  who  formed  the 
whole  clergy  of  the  Cathedral,  until  the 
Holy  See  conferred  the  administration  on 
Bishop  Carroll,  first  bishop  of  Baltimore. 

Tho?  bishopric  of  Baltimore  had  been 
erected  by  Pius  VI.  in  the  year  1789,  and 
its  jurisdiction  extended  over  all  the  United 


Very  Mev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  105 

States,  containing  with  Louisiana,  about 
two  millions  of  square  miles.  About  forty 
or  fifty  thousand  Catholics  were  dispersed 
throughout  the  vast  region. 

In  1808,  Pope  Pius  VII.  raised  the  See  of 
Baltimore  into  an  archbishopric,  and  nom- 
inated as  its  suffragan  sees  the  four  bishop- 
rics (which  he  established, )  of  Philadelphia, 
New  York,  Boston  and  Bardstown.  The 
Most  Rev.  John  Carroll  was  the  first  Arch- 
bishop of  Baltimore.  This  prelate  sent  Rev. 
Father  Dubdurg,  a  native  of  Bordeaux, 
and  who  belonged  to  the  Congregation  of 
St.  Sulpice,  to  New  Orleans,  entrusting 
him  with  the  administration  of  that  diocese. 
As  this  clergyman  was  endowed  with  the 
most  eminent  qualities,  and  displayed  in  a 
particular  manner,  zeal  united  with  pru- 
dence and  great  learning  joined  to  exem- 
plary piety,  the  Archbishop  did  not  long 
delay  to  petition  the  Holy  See  that  he 
might  be  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy  of 
that  bishopric,  and  Pius  VII.,  sure  of  find- 
ing in  his  person  a  worthy  prelate,  did  in 
fact  so  nominate  him. 

Father  Dubourg  subsequently  went  to 
Rome,  though  with  the  intention  of  refus- 
ing the  episcopal  consecration,  if  he  were 
not  able  to  find  in  Europe  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  laborers  willing  to  assist  him  in  the 


io6  Life  of 

cultivation  of  his  truly  desolate  diocese  ; 
which,  while  it  abounded  in  errors  and 
vices,  was,  to  crown  its  misfortunes,  desti- 
tute of  priests.  Divine  Providence  granted 
his  desires  ;  he  obtained  the  co-operation  of 
Father  De  Andreis  and  some  other  mission- 
aries, as  related  in  a  preceeding  chapter, 
and  was  afterwards  joined  by  many  more, 
as  we  shall  see  hereafter. 

On  the  26th  of  July,  1816,  Father  De 
Andreis  and  his  companions  landed  at  Bal- 
timore. The  holy  Missionary  was  filled 
with  enthusiasm  as  he  stepped  ashore.  At 
last  he  had  reached  the  land  for  which  he 
had  so  long  been  praying.  Continuing  the 
letter  quoted  at  the  close  of  the  last  chapter 
he  says: 

"I  cannot  describe  the  impression  pro- 
duced on  us  by  the  magnificent  view  of  the 
harbor  of  Baltimore,  together  with  the 
splendid  situation  of  the  bay ;  I  hardly 
think  there  can  be,  in  the  world,  a  more 
beautiful  prospect. 

Our  first  impulse  on  landing,  was  to  kneel 
and  kiss  the  ground,  but  the  place  where 
we  disembarked  was  so  crowded  that  we 
deferred  doing  this.  Having  entered  the 
place,  we  soon  perceived  the  difference  be- 
tween the  cities  of  Europe  and  those  of  the 
New  World,  with  regard  to  construction  of 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  107 

houses,  streets,  etc.  The  streets  here  are 
wide  and  the  houses  rather  low  than  other- 
wise ;  there  are  sidewalks,  as  in  the  Corso 
at  Rome  and  sometimes  they  are  bordered 
with  trees.  Numerous  pumps  are  to  be 
met  with,  by  which  means  water  is  con- 
stantly on  hand. 

Hungry  and  worn  as  we  were  we  had  to 
traverse  the  entire  city,  inquiring  as  we 
went  along  for  St.  Mary's  College,  the 
house  of  the  Sulpicians,  which  was  outside 
the  city,  at  the  very  opposite  end  from  our 
place  of  landing. 

At  last  we  reached  the  college  and  were 
received  by  the  president,  Father  Brute, 
the  most  holy,  learned,  humble  and  affable 
man  I  ever  knew.  He  welcomed  us  with 
the  utmost  cordiality,  and  during  the  whole 
time  of  our  stay  in  Baltimore,  and  even  * 
afterwards,  he  never  ceased  to  bestow  upon 
us  marks  of  his  kindness.  He  obtained 
for  us  many  handsome  donations  of  some 
hundred  crowns,  besides  which  he  supplied 
us  with  everything  that  we  could  possibly 
need.  For  some  days  we  remained  at  the 
college,  after  which  we  were  located  with 
different  clergymen,  as  had  been  done  at 
Bordeaux.  The  worthy  vicar-general,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Fenwick,  conferred  on  me  the 
honor  of  singing  high  Mass  at  the  Cathe- 


io8  Life  of 

dral,  on  the  Assumption,  which  is  the  prin- 
cipal festival  of  the  diocese  and  the  day  On 
which  the  first  bishop  in  the  United  States 
was  consecrated.  We  were  constantly 
employed  on  feast  days,  in  various  sacred 
functions  at  the  different  churches,  but  it 
was  a  painful  thing  for  me,  to  hear  bells 
pealing  from  magnificent  temples,  and  to 
be  told  that  these  edifices  belonged  to 
heretics;  although  in  the  State  of  Maryland, 
and  especially  in  the  city  of  Baltimore,  the 
Catholics  are  most  numerous  and  fervent." 
What  is  mentioned  above  by  the  servant 
of  God  is  fully  confirmed  by  Bishop  Rosati, 
his  first  companion  and  fellow-laborer,  who 
speaks  in  the  following  terms: — "The  Sul- 
pician  priests  of  Baltimore,  who  have  the 
direction  of  the  college  and  seminary  of 
St.  Mary's,  and  to  whom  we  had  been 
recommended  by  a  letter  from  Bishop 
Dubourg,  received  Father  De  Andreis  and 
his  companions  as  if  they  had  been  so  many 
brothers.  Father  Brut^,  the  president  of 
the  college,  who  was  then  the  only  one  at 
home,  (the  others  having  gone  to  recreate 
themselves  a  little  in  the  country),  hastened 
with  the  most  tender  charity,  to  procure 
lodgings  for  him  and  his  twelve  companions, 
loading  them  with  all  possible  kindness 
and  attention.  He  saw  to  our  baggage  and 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  109 

the  payment  of  the  duties  concerning  it. 
When  the  other  Sulpicians  returned  to  the 
college  they  hastened  to  give  us  a  hearty 
welcome,  each  one  endeavoring  to  find  out 
in  what  manner  he  could  serve  us.  O!  how 
beautiful  is  Christian  charity !  How  truly 
is  it  called  Catholic  !  It  makes  no  distinc- 
tion of  nation,  language,  or  person  ;  but 
takes  all  men  into  one  family  !  And,  not 
without  motive,  does  it  teach  us  to  address 
all  by  the  tender  name  of  brother !  Such 
were  the  reflections  that  Father  De  Andreis 
suggested  to  us  in  many  circumstances, 
but  especially  with  regard  to  the  cordial 
reception  we  met  with  in  Baltimore. 

"Meanwhile,  the  servant  of  God,  without 
losing  time,  wrote  to  apprise  our  vicar-gen- 
eral in  Rome  of  our  arrival ;  he  also  wrote 
to  the  archbishop  of  Baltimore,  who  resided 
at  Georgetown,  requesting  him  to  grant  us 
the  necessary  faculties  ;  and  to  Bishop  Fla- 
get,  at  Bardstown  in  Kentucky,  to  obtain 
from  him  some  information  respecting  the 
remainder  of  our  journey.  In  this  last  let- 
ter he  enclosed  the  one  written  by  Bishop 
Dubourg,  recommending  the  missionaries 
to  his  attention.  The  letter  he  wrote  to 
Rome  was  as  follows  : 

"BALTIMORE,  July  28th,  1816. 

"  'We  safely  reached  the  American  shores 
on  the  octave-clay  of  St.  Vincent,  after 


no  Life  of 

forty-three  days  of  a  wearisome  sea-voyage, 
during  which  the  writer  suffered  less  than 
any  one.  The  good  Sulpicians  received  us 
as  so  many  angels. "Maria  et  mantes  which 
seemed  so  frightful  in  anticipation,  vanish, 
little  by  little,  as  we  advance ;  -the  rest  of 
our  journey  to  St.  Louis,  is  described  to  us 
as  being  of  easy  accomplishment.  We 
shall  start  anew,  please  God,  after  resting 
for  a  month.  This  morning,  to  my  great 
delight,  I  celebrated  the  most  holy  sacrifice 
in  the  church  of  the  seminary;  there  was  a 
great  concourse  of  persons,  many  of  whom 
approached  the  holy  table.  Although  there 
exist  in  this  city  about  a  dozen  different 
sects,  the  Catholics  form  the  richest  and 
most  numerous  portion  of  the  population ; 
religion  is  evidently  on  the  increase,  and 
I  was  both  surprised  and  delighted  to  see 
the  number  of  churches,  together  with  the 
fervor  of  the  Catholics  and  the  favorable 
dispositions  manifested  by  our  separated 
brethren  towards  a  reconciliation  with 
their  true  mother  the  Church.  I  sincerely 
hope  we  may  find  the  same  sentiments 
among  the  Indians.  We  are  all  in  good 
health,  notwithstanding  our  journey  and 
the  change  of  diet;  things  which  in  Rome 
would  have  been  very  injurious  to  me,  here 
cause  me  no  inconvenience.  And  thus  has 


Very  Rev.  Felix  DC  Andreis,  C.  M.  in 

Divine  Providence  arranged  all  things  ;  in 
Rome,  I  was  in  spite  of  myself,  a  burden 
and  a  trouble  to  all  my  good  companions, 
of  whose  society  I  was  not  worthy  on  ac- 
count of  my  more  than  gigantic  pride  and 
self-love,  which,  with  all  my  efforts  I  have 
not  yet  succeeded  in  subduing  perfectly; 
therefore  the  Almighty  has  designed  to 
bury  me  among  the  savages,  whither  I  am 
now  hastening  with  the  greatest  joy,  firmly 
resolved  to  live  and  die  in  complete  forget- 
ful ness  of  all  creatures.  There  remains  for 
me  nothing  more  to  desire  in  this  world 
but  death ;  delay  will  only  make  me  long 
the  more  for  it. 

"The  Lord  vouchsafes  to  favor  me  with 
profound  peace  in  the  midst  of  the  troubles 
inseparable  from  my  employment.  I  beg 
your  prayers  and  those  of  the  Community. 

FEUX  DE  ANDREIS." 

In  reply  to  the  letter  which  the  servant 
of  God  addressed  to  the  archbishop  of  Bal- 
timore, then  residing  at  Georgetown,  he 
received  a  most  courteous  answer,  granting 
him  and  his  companions  the  most  ample 
faculties.  Bishop  Flaget  also  wrote,  en- 
couraging them  to  start  for  Pittsburg  as  soon 
as  possible  before  the  winter  should  set  in, 
promising  that  he  would  do  everything  in 


112  Life  Of 

his  power  to  assist  them.    This  caused  them 
to  decide  upon  their  immediate  departure. 

"Having  made  the  requisite  arrange- 
ments," continues  De  Andreis,  "a  semina- 
rist, Brother  Blanka,  and  the  two  postu- 
lants, set  out  from  Baltimore  on  foot,  on 
the  3d  of  September.  They  were  to  accom- 
pany our  baggage ;  the  others,  who  were 
not  strong  enough  to  go  on  foot,  started  on 
the  icth,  in  a  public  conveyance  which  we 
had  previously  bespoken,  at  a  high  price. 
It  was  a  kind  of  diligence,  called  here  a 
* 'stage,"  very  inconvenient,  and  exposed  to 
all  the  inclemency  of  the  weather.  Eight 
of  us  got  into  it,  with  our  travelling  bags. 
The  first  day  everything  went  on  well ;  we 
spent  the  night  at  Chambersburg,  one  of 
the  congregations,  (or  rather  parishes,)  of 
Father  Zochi,  a  Roman,  who,  when  we 
passed  through,  was  in  another  place  called 
Taneytown.  The  next  day  the  rain  began, 
and  seemed  to  follow  us  for  four  or  five  days, 
during  which  we  passed  over  the  most 
frightful  roads;  we  were  obliged  to  get  out 
every  now  and  then,  to  ease  the  vehicle. 
Two  occurrences,  almost  of  a  miraculous 
nature,  took  place  on  the  way  ;  one  was 
that  Father  Aquaroni  and  two  others,  wish- 
ing to  take  a  shorter  route  through  the 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  113 

woods,  having  lost  the  road  during  half  a 
day,  thereby  causing  us  the  greatest  anxi- 
ety, were  found  at  our  first  stopping  place. 
The  other  circumstance  to  which  I  allude, 
and  of  which,  I  was,  myself  an  eyewitness, 
was  as  follows:  an  enormous  fragment  of 
rock  became  detached  from  its  place,  and 
rolling  rapidly  down  the  mountain,  crossed 
the  road  at  the  very  moment  that  two  of 
our  companions  were  passing.  It  seemed 
impossible  for  them  to  escape  death,  or,  at 
the  very  least,  severe  injury;  but  they  were 
preserved,  the  immense  mass  passing  with- 
in a  hair's  breadth  of  their  feet,  without 
touching  them.  The  rain  continued  to  fall 
in  such  torrents  that  it  was  almost  impos- 
sible to  continue  our  journey.  Night  over- 
took us  at  the  foot  of  a  steep  hill,  where, 
with  the  excessive  rains,  the  bad  roads 
filled  with  ruts,  and  the  fatigue  of  the  hor- 
ses, (one  of  which  fell  and  had  to  be  raised 
on  his  legs  again,)  we  were  reduced  to  the 
most  pitiful  condition.  Indeed  one  among 
iis,  could  not  refrain  from  shedding  tears.*) 
And,  in  fact,  there  we  were,  in  the  midst  of 

*)  While  perusing  the  account  which  Father 
De  Andreis  gives  us  of  the  dangers  and  difficulties 
encountered  by  himself  and  his  companions,  during 
this  and  their  subsequent  journey  to  St.  Louis,  the 
reader  should  bear  in  niitid,  that  ninety  years  ago, 
none  of  the  present  rapid  modes  of  travelling  were 
common  in  the  United  States,  and  that,  consequent- 


ii4  Life  of 

frightful  precipices,  in  the  impossibility  of 
seeing  each  other,  as  the  rain  prevented  us 
from  having  a  light ;  far  from  the  habita- 
tions of  men,  with  streams  of  water  running 
off,  with  no  aid  to  raise  up  the  horse,  and 
no  way  to  continue  our  journey.  It  is  hard 
to  depict  all  the  horror  of  such  a  situation. 
At  length,  after  many  efforts,  the  horse  was 
lifted  up ;  wet  through  as  we  were,  we 
returned  to  the  "stage,"  where,  every  mo- 
ment, we  were  in  danger  of  being  upset ; 
and,  after  two  or  three  hours,  we  arrived  at 
a  wretched  inn,  where  there  was  not  fire 
enough  to  dry  our  dripping  garments. 

"The  next  day  we  reached  a  place  called 
'Bloody-Run,'  so  named  in  memory  of  the 
outrages  there  committed  by  the  savages. 
Here  we  seemed  to  be  in  the  midst  of  a 
spacious  sea,  for  the  whole  country  had 
been  inundated ;  we  were,  therefore,  de- 
tained for  some  days,  at  no  slight  expense. 
We  started  at  last,  but  after  proceeding 
some  three  or  four  miles,  the  driver  very 
coolly  put  us  down  at  an  inn  and  turned 
back,  under  pretext  that  the  Juniata  hav- 
ing overflowed  its  banks,  the  stage  would 


ly,  a  journey  which  could  now  be  performed  with 
the  utmost  facility,  was  then  an  undertaking  at- 
tended with  no  slight  amount  of  peril  and  incon- 
venience. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  115 

not  be  able  to  cross  it.  Thus,  after  paying 
the  whole  fare  to  the  end  of  our  journey,  we 
were  left  half-way  on  the  road.  Luckily,  I 
had  a  letter  of  introduction  to  an  Italian 
doctor  who  lived  at  Bedford,  on  the  other 
side  of  the  river.  I  therefore  requested 
one  of  our  priests  and  a  student  to  ford  the 
river,  as  best  they  could,  in  order  to  convey 
it  to  its  address,  and  procure  another  stage. 
Their  undertaking  succeeded,  and  the  next 
day  we  crossed  the  river  in  boats,  which 
being  long  and  narrow,  we  had  to  be  very 
careful  while  in  them,  to  preserve  out- 
equilibrium.  On  the  opposite  bank  we 
found  the  stage  awaiting  us,  and  in  it  we 
proceeded  on  another  day's  journey ;  but, 
towards  evening,  or,  if  I  mistake  not,  the 
following  morning,  we  met  with  the  same 
difficulties  at  Stoystown.  Here  we  had  to 
remain  two  or  three  days  more,  to  wait  for 
another  stage.  It  came  at  length,  but  was 
already  crowded  with  passengers,  and  we 
were  told  that  it  would  be  vain  to  wait  for 
another.  The  expenses  which  we  incurred 
threatened  to  leave  us  without  resources,  in 
a  country  where  there  were  but  a  few  dis- 
persed Catholics,  no  church,  no  priest,  and 
amid  strangers,  whose  language  and  cus- 
toms were  entirely  foreign  to  our  own. 
Having  well  considered  the  matter,  we  put 


u6  Life  of 

our  baggage  into  a  wagon  and  set  out  on 
foot,  in  two  bands.  Then  it  was  that, 
happening  to  be  alone,  and  somewhat  apart 
from  the  rest  of  the  company,  in  the  midst 
of  these  frightful  mountains,  in  doubt  as  to 
the  road  and  scarcely  knowing  how  to  get 
on,  the  smiling  picture  of  Rome,  its  chur- 
ches, and  the  friends  I  had  left  there,  pre- 
sented themselves  to  my  mind  in  glowing 
colors,  and  like  daggers,  made  me  ex- 
perience, for  an  instant,  all  the  tortures  of 
melancholy;  but  thank  God,  faith,  and  the 
desire  of  the  salvation  of  souls,  soon 
brought  back  to  my  soul  peace  and  seren- 
ity. A  few  days  later  we  found  a  stage, 
and  arrived  at  Pittsburg  on  the  iQth  of 
September.  Here  we  accomplished  the 
vow  we  had  made  to  St.  Vincent,  and  re- 
ceived letters  from  Europe,  which  were  a 
considerable  source  of  consolation  to  us.  We 
were  well  received  by  the  Catholics  of  the 
place ;  but  I  think  I  remember  to  have 
related  all  that  occurred,  in  some  of  my 
previous  letters." 

Only  one  of  the  letters  written  by  the 
servant  of  God,  from  Pittsburg,  has  reached 
us;  it  is  dated  the  2 ad  of  September,  1816, 
and  addressed  to  Rev.  Mr.  Sicardi,  Vicar- 
General  of  the  Congregation.  It  is  in  the 
following  terms: 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  117 

"As  I  feel  sure  of  affording  you,  as  well 
as  my  dear  companions,  some  gratification, 
by  an  account  of  our  long  and  disastrous 
journey,  I  will,  in  fancy,  turn  with  my  pen 
from  this  our  third  station,  towards  ever 
dear  Rome,  which  becomes  only  the  more 
beloved  as  we  advance  into  the  midst  of 
these  regions,  almost  destitute  of  any 
vestige  of  Catholicity.  Having  set  out  in 
two  parties  from  Baltimore,  we  crossed, 
partly  on  foot  and  partly  in  wretched 
vehicles,  the  rugged  mountains  of  Pennsyl- 
vania; some  of  us  accomplished  the  journey 
in  nine,  others  in  ten  days ;  but,  for  all, 
it  was  attended  with  great  expense  and  in- 
convenience. The  distance  we  had  to  go 
was  about  three  hundred  miles ;  and,  not 
meeting  with  any  Catholic  church  on  our 
way,  we  could  neither  celebrate  nor  hear 
Mass.  The  worst  of  it  was  however,  that 
even  when  we  reached  Pittsburg,  a  pretty 
considerable  town,  in  a  commercial  point 
of  view,  there  was  no  means  of  obtaining 
this  consolation.  Among  a  population  of 
ten  thousand,  the  Catholics  scarcely  num- 
ber three  hundred.  They  are  also  gen- 
erally very  poor,  so  that  the  church  is  al- 
most destitute  of  everything;  the  pastor, 
who  has  under  his  care  a  parish  nearly 
equal  in  extent  to  ten  dioceses,  is  constantly 


u8  Life  of 

employed  in  visiting  his  parishioners.  He 
was  absent  when  we  arrived,  and  having 
taken  with  him  the  chalice,  our  devotion 
no  less  than  that  of  the  people,  was  dis- 
appointed, for  all  seemed  most  anxious  to 
see  us  officiate.  At  last  a  pewter  chalice 
was  found,  but  there  was  no  paten ;  how- 
ever, yesterday  late  in  the  evening,  having 
gone  with  one  of  my  companions  to  our 
lodging  in  the  house  of  a  worthy  Catholic 
family,  a  paten  was  found,  most  unexpec- 
tedly. I  sent  my  companion  to  bear  the 
good  news  to  the  others  and  to  the  prin- 
cipal Catholics  of  the  place,  who  soon 
spread  the  tidings  from  house  to  house  ;  so 
that,  this  morning  we  celebrated  our  five 
Masses,  including  one  that  was  chanted. 
Those  who  did  not  celebrate  went  to  com- 
munion, and  this  afternoon  we  had  Ves- 
pers, after  which  a  good  Catholic  invited 
us  all  to  dine  with  him  on  the  morrow.  We 
attribute  our  success  in  finding  all  that  was 
requisite  for  the  most  holy  sacrifice,  to  the 
intercession  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  whose 
feast  of  the  Seven  Dolors  we  celebrate  to- 
day; may  she  be  for  ever  blessed!  We 
have  been  most  earnestly  requested  to  hear 
confessions  and  to  preach,  but  my  English 
will  not,  as  yet,  allow  me  to  venture  so  far. 
Of  eight  persons,  only  seven  of  us  under- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  119 

stand  French.  We  are  waiting  for  our 
troublesome  baggage,  in  order  to  embark 
immediately  on  the  Ohio  for  Louisville,  in 
Kentucky,  the  boat  which  is  to  convey  us 
being  in  readiness.  Everything  is  very 
dear  here;  we  had  to  pay  twenty  crowns 
for  a  small  cart  to  carry  our  traveling-bags 
for  about  thirty-five  miles.  A  boat,  to 
cross  a  small  river,  cost  us  three  crowns; 
and,  for  a  common  portfolio  which,  at 
Rome,  would  cost  three  paoli,  we  had  to 
pay  here  five  crowns.  Everything  else  is 
in  proportion.  Very  little  coin  is  in  cir- 
culation ;  banknotes  are  negotiated  with 
great  caution,  according  to  different  local- 
ities of  the  United  States.  Divine  Provi- 
dence blesses  us  with  most  extraordinary 
marks  of  continual  assistance,  causing  to 
fall  into  our  hands  sums  of  no  less  than 
three  hundred  crowns  at  a  time,  and  in- 
deed, no  less  than  that  would  suffice  to 
pay,  in  so  expensive  a  country,  for  the 
food,  clothing,  and  travelling  expenses  of 
twelve  persons.  We  are  all  in  excellent 
health,  notwithstanding  our  hardships,  the 
constant  privation  of  wine,  soup,  etc.  The 
perspiration  often  freezes  on  our  skin,  for 
here  it  may  almost  be  said  that  we  have 
the  four  seasons  in  one  day.  In  the  morn- 
ing one  shivers  with  cold,  and  a  few  hours 


120  Life  of 

after  is  ready  to  melt  with  the  heat.  When 
we  first  arrived,  we  went  to  the  hotel;  but 
seeing  that  our  lodging  would  cost  us  about 
two  crowns  a  day,  we  removed  to  the  house 
of  a  poor  Catholic  family,  where  we  are 
now  boarding.  We  are  not  very  comfort- 
able, but  we  are  all  cheerful  and  happy, 
consoling  ourselves  in  the  Lord,  living 
peacefully  together  like  good  brethren, 
mutually  encouraging  one  another  to  unite 
our  sufferings  with  those  of  the  Son  of 
God,  who  endured  so  much  for  the  sal- 
vation of  souls.  We  have  meditation, 
spiritual  reading,  conferences,  etc.,  accord- 
ing to  the  custom  of  the  Congregation,  and 
everything  is  conducted  with  admirable 
harmony. 

"FELIX  DE  ANDREIS, 
" Priest  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission." 
"We  had  to  remain,"  continues  the  ser- 
vant of  God  in  his  Journal,  "until  the 
23rd  of  October  at  Pittsburg,  the  waters  of 
the  Ohio  being  too  low  to  allow  us  to  pro- 
ceed on  our  way.  On  the  above-named  day 
we  started  in  a  sort  of  vessel  called  a  'flat- 
boat,'  made  precisely  like  a  small  house, 
the  roof  of  which  served  as  a  deck.  It  was 
a  moving  sight  to  behold  the  banks  of  the 
river  crowded  with  people  who  came  to 
bid  us  farewell ;  many  of  them  gave  us 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andrcis^  C.  M.  121 

considerable  sums  of  money,  and  exhibited 
lively  marks  of  sorrow  for  our  departure. 
Our  voyage  went  on  very  well;  there  is 
not,  I  think,  in  the  whole  world,  a  river 
whose  banks  are  more  diversified  with 
beautiful  scenery  ;  from  time  to  time  we 
went  ashore  on  one  side  or  the  other  of  the 
splendid  stream,  which  is  about  six  times 
the  length  of  the  Tiber,  and  we  walked 
about  among  the  thick  forests,  where  no 
human  foot  ever  trod  save  that  of  the 
savage,  nor  human  voice  but  theirs  had 
ever  been  heard.  Joyfully  we  made  the 
echoes  repeat,  for  the  first  time,  the  sweet 
names  of  Jesus  and  Mary !  In  these  forests 
one  is  stopped  at  every  step,  by  brush- 
wood and  pendent  branches,  while  the 
ground  seems  to  sink  under  the  feet, 
covered  as  it  is  with  decayed  trunks  of 
trees  and  leaves,  which  have  fallen  during 
so  many  years.  There  is  also  some  danger 
in  advancing  too  far  into  the  woods,  on 
account  of  snakes,  especially  rattlesnakes. 
I  saw  some  of  the  latter ;  their  tails  are 
provided  with  a  set  of  bony  rings,  running 
one  into  another  ;  when  the  serpent  moves, 
these  rings  give  warning  of  his  approach, 
and  allow  the  traveller  time  to  put  himself 
on  his  guard.  I  think  I  have,  elsewhere, 
mentioned  the  cordial  welcome  which  we 


122  Life  of 

received  as  we  went  along,  but  especially 
at  Marietta,  where  a  lawyer,  one  of  the 
principal  citizens  of  the  place,  earnestly 
endeavored  to  detain  us  in  order  that  we 
might  teach  him  the  Catholic  religion, 
promising  that  he  would  be  most  docile  to 
all  our  instructions ;  but  Providence  willed 
us  to  be  elsewhere. 

At  last,  on  the  i9th  of  November,  1816, 
we  reached  Louisville,  where,  after  two  or 
three  days  rest,  I  left  my  party  in  the  house 
of  a  good  Catholic,  and  I  went  on  horse- 
back to  Bardstown,  about  forty  miles 
distant,  in  order  to  deliberate  with  Bishop 
Flaget,  quid  faciendum.  He  was  well  ac- 
quainted with  Louisiana,  having  been  there 
some  years  before,  since  which  period  he 
had  kept  up  a  correspondence  with  persons 
resident  there.  We  had  yet  a  long  way  to 
go  to  reach  St.  Louis ;  the  winter  was 
rapidly  approaching ;  we  ran  the  risk  of 
being  stopped  by  the  ice ;  besides  which 
we  needed  some  time  in  order  to  study  the 
English  language,  and  become  more  per- 
fectly acquainted  with  the  French.  The 
question  now  was,  whether  we  should  go  on 
immediately  or  stop.  The  bishop  received 
me  with  the  greatest  kindness,  and  con- 
vinced me  that  it  would  be  very  imprudent 
to  proceed  immediately  to  St.  Louis, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  123 

where  there  was  nothing  prepared  to  re- 
ceive us.  We  therefore  resolved  to  accept 
the  generous  offers  of  Bishop  Flaget,  and 
to  stop  awhile  at  his  seminary  of  St. 
Thomas,  about  four  miles  from  Bards- 
town.  When  Bishop  Dubourg  heard  of 
my  determination,  he  disapproved  it ;  but, 
when  he  arrived  on  the  spot,  and  saw  how 
matters  stood,  he  could  do  no  less  than 
applaud  it." 

This  was  the  fourth  delay  made  by 
Father  De  Andreis  and  his  companions, 
since  their  departure  from  Rome.  In 
describing  this  part  of  his  journey,  we  have 
given  the  details  written  by  his  own  hand 
in  his  journal ;  we  must  however  notice 
that  he  purposely  omits  mention  of  any- 
thing that  might  redound  to  his  own 
praise.  We  will  therefore,  in  order  to 
supply  this  deficiency,  and  acquire  some 
further  knowledge  of  his  virtues,  return  to 
the  account  of  the  journey  from  Baltimore 
to  Bardstown,  as  it  is  given  by  Bishop 
Rosati,  who  minutely  describes  the  daily 
occurrences  as  they  took  place  on  the  way. 
The  following  are  the  words  of  the  worthy 
prelate : 

"Some  may  be  inclined  to  think  that, 
during  this  journey  from  Baltimore  to  Pitts- 


124  Jjiife  °f 

burg,  performed  in  an  uncomfortable  close 
vehicle,  (such  as  our  stage,)  over  high 
mountains  and  through  wretched  roads, 
very  different  from  those  that  have  lately 
been  made,  we  could,  but  with  difficulty, 
conform  to  a  regular  order  of  common 
prayer  and  other  exercises,  and  that  it  was 
almost  impossible,  in  the  midst  of  the  fre- 
quent interruptions  to  which  we  were 
liable,  to  keep  ourselves  constantly  atten- 
tive to  the  presence  of  God.  Yet  Father 
De  Andreis  succeeded  in  adapting  all  this 
to  the  circumstances  of  our  journey,  and  he 
enjoyed  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  his  regu- 
lations faithfully  observed  by  us  all.  Every 
morning  when  we  started,  the  prayers 
designated  by  the  Itinerary  were  recited, 
followed  by  the  Litany  of  the  most  holy 
Virgin.  Then  we  made  an  hour's  meditation; 
Father  De  Andreis  proposed  the  subject, 
and  as  we  could  not  make  our  spiritual 
reading  before  day-light,  he  supplied  its 
place  by  suggesting  pious  reflections  which 
penetrated  our  hearts.  In  conclusion,  we 
recited  the  Litany  of  the  Holy  Name  of 
Jesus,  and  the  Angelus  Domini.  Later  in 
the  morning  we  recited  the  canonical 
hours,  read  a  chapter  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment, and  somewhat  later  still,  another 
pious  book.  After  dinner,  we  took  an 


Very  Ra\  telix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  125 

hour's  recreation,  then  recited  Vespers  and 
Complin,  which  were  followed  after  a  cer- 
tain interval,  by  the  third  part  of  the 
Rosary,  Matins  and  L,auds.  We  ended  the 
day  with  the  usual  prayers,  accompanied 
by  examination  of  conscience. 

"It  may,  perhaps,  seem  that  so  many 
religious  exercises,  following  so  closely 
one  upon  an  other,  must  have  been  weari- 
some, or  at  least  importunate  to  travel- 
lers, tossed  about,  as  we  were,  among  the 
mountainous  and  dangerous  places  through 
which  we  had  to  pass.  But  such  was  far 
from  being  the  case,  whether  on  account 
of  the  tact  which  the  servant  of  God  dis- 
played in  arranging  all  our  religious  exer- 
cises, in  parts  to  be  performed  at  suitable 
hours,  or  that  being  himself  always  in  good 
humor,  he  was  admirably  skilled  in  keep- 
ing up  the  spirits  of  those  who  surrounded 
him,  by  his  agreeable  and  interesting  con- 
versation. Now  and  then  he  would  relate 
an  amusing  anecdote,  or  enliven  us  by  some 
pleasant  saying ;  at  other  times,  discuss 
some  scientific  or  theological  question,  and 
while  he  excited  our  curiosity,  he  filled  our 
minds  with  useful  knowledge.  In  a  word, 
his  conversation  was  so  pleasing  that 
Bishop  Dubourg,  who  was  equally  remar- 
kable for  his  great  endowments  of  inind 


126  Life  of 

and  his  polished  manners,  frequently  told 
me  that  he  had  never  known  any  one 
whose  society  was  so  useful  and  agreeable 
to  him,  as  that  of  our  servant  of  God.  And 
thus  it  happened  that  time,  however  long, 
seemed  short,  when  spent  in  his  company. 
"But  notwithstanding  his  constant  cheer- 
fulness, the  journey  was  very  trying  for 
Father  De  Andreis,  whose  health  was  ex- 
ceedingly weak,  the  strength  of  his  body 
being  much  inferior  to  that  of  his  mind. 
For  many  years  he  had  been  subject  to 
violent  attacks  of  colic,  w'hich  made  him 
surfer  most  acutely,  and  many  times  during 
our  long  journey  he  experienced  them. 
The  jolting  of  a  vehicle  without  springs,  in 
which  ten  persons  were  crowded  one  upon 
another,  the  wretched  roads  over  which  we 
had  to  travel,  the  accidents  by  which  some- 
times our  stage  was  overthrown  or  broken 
down  in  the  midst  of  the  mountain  tor- 
rents, and  the  darkness  of  night,  while  a 
deluge  of  water  was  pouring  upon  us,  all 
this  was  hard  for  the  youngest  and  most 
robust  among  us ;  it  can  then  easily  be 
imagined,  how  much  the  delicate  health  of 
one  like  Father  De  Andreis  must  have 
suffered.  On  one  occasion  when  his 
clothes  had  been  drenched  with  rain,  he 
was  obliged  to  wear  them  in  that  state  for 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  127 

two  days,  it  being  utterly  impossible  to 
change  or  dry  them.  And  very  far  from 
allowing  all  these  inconveniences  to  depress 
his  spirits,  he  was  ever  cheerful,  encour- 
aging us  to  bear  our  sufferings  courageous- 
ly, by  the  example  of  what  the  apostles 
endured  for  the  salvation  of  souls.  We  were 
sometimes  obliged  to  walk  for  forty  miles 
across  the  mountains,  but  at  last,  after  all 
our  trials,  we  reached  Pittsburg  on  the  igth 
of  September. 

"In  this  place,  as  in  all  others  where  the 
servant  of  God  had  to  remain  for  any 
length  of  time,  he  was  welcomed  by  the 
Catholics  to  whom  he  was  recommended, 
with  all  possible  marks  of  affection  and 
respect.  But  he  needed  no  letters  of  intro- 
duction for  all  who  approached  him,  Pro- 
testants as  well  as  Catholics,  immediately 
conceived  for  him  sentiments  of  the  strong- 
est friendship,  and  even  a  sort  of  venera- 
tion, and  all  were  eager  to  testify  these 
feelings  whenever  an  opportunity  offered. 
In  1816,  Pittsburg  was  not  such  as  it  is 
now,  but  even  then  one  could,  in  a  measure 
foresee  what  it  would  afterwards  become. 
The  number  of  Catholics  was  pretty  large, 
and  the  first  church  erected  there,  being 
already  too  small  for  the  congregation,  it 
was  proposed  to  build  another,  for  which 


1 28  Life  of 

purpose  a  suitable  piece  of  ground  was  pur- 
chased, whereon  a  splendid  edifice  was  sub- 
sequently erected.  On  our  arrival  at  Pitts- 
burg,  we  found  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  O'Brien 
was  absent ;  he  had  under  his  care  not 
only  this  parish,  but  several  others,  situated 
at  some  distance  apart.  However,  a  Cath- 
olic merchant  by  the  name  of  Beelen,  to 
whom  we  had  been  recommended,  was  of 
great  assistance  to  us  ;  it  was  he  who  pro- 
cured for  us  suitable  lodgings,  and  took  us 
from  the  hotel,  to  which  we  went  on  our 
arrival,  and  where  our  expenses  were  very 
considerable.  Some  among  us  availed  our- 
selves of  the  hospitality  generously  offered 
by  some  of  the  Catholics  of  the  place,  and 
Father  De  Andreis,  with  a  few  others,  went 
to  board  in  a  poor  but  respectable  Catholic 
family.  Shortly  after,  we  enjoyed  the  satis- 
faction of  welcoming  our  three  companions 
who,  in  order  to  accompany  our  baggage, 
had  taken  a  longer  route.  To  continue  our 
journey  we  had  to  embark  upon  the  Ohio, 
which  is  usually  about  a  mile  in  width,  but, 
at  this  season  of  the  year  its  waters  were 
so  low  that  we  were  forced  to  postpone  our 
departure  for  a  period,  which  turned  out  to 
be  longer  than  we  at  first  anticipated.  But 
Father  De  Andreis  knew  how  to  derive 
profit  even  from  these  delays,  which  neces- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M .  129 

sity  alone  compelled  us  to  make,  and  which 
he  might  have  devoted  to  rest.  He  daily 
employed  his  missionaries  in  the  customary 
duties  of  the  Congregation,  and  in  the  study 
of  the  sacred  doctrines  and  the  English 
language.  Our  lodgings  being  somewhat 
distant  from  the  church,  so  only  one  in  turn 
said  Mass  every  day,  and  the  others  re- 
ceived holy  communion.  Father  De  An- 
dreis  subjected  himself,  like  the  others,  to 
this  regulation,  desiring  that  no  exceptions 
should  be  made  for  him  on  account  of  his 
rank  as  superior.  However,  on  Sundays, 
all  offered  the  holy  sacrifice  and  assisted 
at  high  Mass  and  Vespers,  which  we 
chanted  with  great  recollection  and  solem- 
nity. All  the  inhabitants  of  the  place  who 
assisted  at  the  ceremonies,  both  Protestants 
and  Catholics,  were  deeply  touched,  never 
having  witnessed  in  Pittsburg  anything 
similar.  Very  solemn  was  also  the  festival 
of  the  death  of  St.  Vincent,  which  in  ful- 
filment of  our  vow  already  mentioned,  we 
celebrated  on  the  27th  of  September.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  O'Brien,  who  returned  before 
this,  was  edified,  and  conceived  sincere 
esteem  and  affection  for  our  venerated 
superior. 

4 'We  enquired   almost   every  day  about 
the  means  of  continuing  our  journey,  but 


130  Life  oj 

so  many  obstacles  presented  themselves 
that  we  were  a  long  time  in  doubt  with 
regard  to  it.  In  1816,  navigation  upon  the 
Ohio  was  very  slow  and  difficult.  It  is 
true  that  a  few  small  steamboats  were  to  be 
seen  on  its  waters,  but  this  was  seldom  and 
the  fare  they  exacted  was  exorbitant,  being 
no  less  than  two  thousand  dollars  for  twelve 
persons.  Father  De  Andreis  could  not 
think  himself  justified  in  giving  so  large  a 
sum,  not  only  because  he  had  no  money  to 
spare,  but  because  his  love  of  poverty  in- 
spired him  with  the  strictest  economy.  He 
therefore  preferred  to  take  our  passage  on 
one  of  those  rough  barks,  called  by  the 
people  of  the  place,  4' flat-boats,"  and 
which  somewhat  resemble  those  which  are 
made  use  of  in  sea -port  towns  to  convey 
merchandise  on  board  large  ships,  or  those 
by  which  troops  are  sometimes  landed  on  a 
shallow  coast.  In  this  wretched  vessel, 
very  poorly  sheltered  from  the  inclemency 
of  the  weather,  Father  De  Andreis  and  his 
Missionaries  embarked  for  Louisville, 
which  is  about  six  hundred  miles  from 
Pittsburg.  Many  of  the  inhabitants  accom- 
panied him  to  the  boat,  and  only  left  the 
shore  when  he  had  completely  disappeared 
from  their  view. 

'  'In  this  portion  of  our  travels  as  in  the 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Audreis,  C.  M.  131 

others,  the  servant  of  God,  always  the 
same,  conformed  as  usual  to  the  practice 
of  his  rules,  and  to  all  the  devout  exercises 
of  a  religious  community,  not  neglecting 
the  study  of  the  English  language  and  of 
theology.  He  was,  above  all,  careful  to 
give  us  good  example,  while  he  refused  to 
avail  himself  of  any  privilege  or  distinction. 
He  had  to  surfer  much  from  the  cold,  which 
was  very  severe;  the  rain  sometimes  poured 
down  in  such  torrents  as  almost  to  overflow 
our  common  dormitory,  while  occasionally 
the  snow  found  entrance  between  the 
boards;  but  in  the  midst  of  all  these  incon- 
veniences he  ever  showed  a  cheerful  coun- 
tenance, and  in  truth  we  were  almost 
tempted  to  believe  that  the  sensations  of 
nature  were  extinct  within  him.  The  sub- 
limity of  his  soul  shone  forth  still  more 
brightly  while  sanctifying  the  Sundays  and 
festivals  that  occurred  during  our  journey. 
On  All  Saints  we  rose  at  four,  in  order  that 
every  one  might  have  the  opportunity  of 
saying  Mass,  and  on  the  following  day 
we  chanted  the  Office  for  the  Dead  and  the 
Requiem  Mass.  In  this  way  did  Father 
De  Andreis  shed  everywhere  around  him 
the  good  odor  of  Jesus  Christ,  for  not  only 
were  the  Catholics  whom  we  met  from 
time  to  time,  edified  by  our  manner  of  life, 


132  Life  of 

but  also  the  Protestants,  who  had  never 
seen  Catholic  missionaries  before.  Struck 
with  what  they  beheld  in  us,  they  would 
enquire  who  we  were,  where  we  were  go- 
ing, and  what  was  the  object  of  our  mis- 
sion ;  and  on  receiving  an  explanation  of 
it,  would  gather  around  eagerly  pressing 
us  to  remain  among  them,  promising  that 
if  we  did  so,  we  should  be  well  provided 
for  and  have  many  followers.  Some  of  us 
having  gone  ashore,  a  few  miles  from 
Marietta,  met  a  person  on  horseback,  in  the 
garb  of  a  hunter.  He  seemed  well  educated 
and  accosted  us  very  politely.  We  after- 
wards discovered  that  he  was  a  lawyer.  He 
questioned  us  very  closely,  and  having  re- 
ceived satisfactory  answers  to  his  numerous 
interrogatories,  with  much  kindness  of- 
fered us  part  of  the  produce  of  his  chase. 
He  then  accompanied  us  on  our  return  to 
the  boat  and  entreated  us  to  pay  him  a 
visit  at  his  house,  which  was  at  no  very 
great  distance  from  the  river-side.  We 
cheerfully  accepted  his  invitation  and 
went  to  his  dwelling,  where  he  introduced 
us  to  his  wife  and  children,  the  former 
having  been  an  invalid  for  the  last  sixteen 
years.  We  enquired  if  our  host  and  his 
family  professed  any  religion,  and  being 
told  that  they  knew  of  none  we  spoke  to 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  133 

them  of  the  Catholic  faith  and  of  the 
necessity  of  receiving  and  practising  its 
doctrines.  To  these  words  the  poor  family 
listened  with  tears,  while  they  made  the 
most  generous  offers  and  promises  to  any 
one  of  us  who  would  remain  with  them, 
even  for  a  short  time.  One  of  you  at 
least,  said  they,  can  stay  with  us;  and  we 
were  all  deeply  touched  by  their  entreaties. 
But  we  could  not  remain  long,  and  when 
the  time  for  our  departure  drew  near,  we 
knelt  down  (the  father  and  his  sons  follow- 
ing our  example  )  and  implored  the  blessing 
of  God  upon  this  interesting  family.  The 
master  of  the  house  obliged  us  to  accept 
somefruit,  and  then  with  a  worthy  old  man 
who  was  present,  he  accompanied  us  back 
to  the  boat.  Here  he  espied  the  crucifix, 
and,  taking  off  his  hat  kissed  it  most 
respectfully  after  which  he  embraced  each 
one  of  us  in  turn,  recommended  himself 
anew  to  our  prayers,  and  received  with 
gratitude  a  catechism  and  some  other 
books  which  we  gave  him.  This  and 
some  other  occurrences  of  a  similar  nature, 
made  a  deep  impression  on  the  mind  of 
Father  De  Andreis,  so  that  the  ardor  of  his 
zeal  for  the  salvation  of  souls  appeared  in 
his  countenance,  and  thus  enkindled  in  the 
hearts  of  his  companions  the  flame  which 
consumed  his  own. 


134  Life  of 

"As  we  passed  Gallipolis  we  heard 
that  about  forty  Catholic  families,  of 
French  origin,  were  living  there  without  a 
church,  a  priest,  or  any  means  of  practising 
their  religion.  It  was  indeed  painful  for 
us  not  to  be  able  to  stop,  for  a  few  days  at 
least,  to  render  some  assistance  to  people  so 
sadly  abandoned.  But  we  could  not  delay 
the  boat,  and  were  prevented  by  the  same 
reason  from  stopping  at  Cincinnati,  where 
many  Catholics  resided,  also  without  a 
church,  being  visited  from  time  to  time 
by  Father  Fen  wick,  of  the  Dominican  Or- 
der, who  afterwards  died  bishop  of  Cincin- 
nati. On  the  1 9th  of  November  our  boat 
landed  us  at  Louisville.  At  this  place  we 
soon  found  lodgings  prepared  for  us  in  the 
house  of  a  good  Catholic,  through  the  kind 
precaution  of  Bishop  Flaget.  The  latter 
had  been  frequently  in  Louisville,  previous 
to  our  arrival,  in  order  to  meet  us  ;  but  be- 
ing obliged  to  absent  himself  at  the  time 
we  reached  there,  he  left  a  letter  in  which 
he  apologized  for  his  inability  to  be  in 
Louisville,  and  earnestly  begged  Father  De 
Andreis  to  meet  him  in  Bardstown  before 
he  continued  his  journey,  so  that,  both  to- 
gether, they  might  deliberate  on  what  was 
best  to  be  done  under  the  circumstances. 

"On  the  reception  of  this  letter  Father 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  135 

De  Andreis,  leaving  his  companions  in 
Louisville,  went  to  confer  with  Bishop 
Flaget.  The  holy  prelate  gave  him  a  most 
cordial  welcome,  and  then  spoke  of  his  future 
destination  and  that  of  the  Missionaries 
who  accompanied  him.  The  Bishop  told 
him  candidly  that,  to  set  out  immediately 
for  St.  Louis  did  not  seem  to  him  a  wise  de- 
termination, and  that  it  would  be  better  to 
defer  their  departure  to  a  later  period. 
'The  people  of  St.  Louis,'  said  he,  'have 
not  yet  been  informed  by  Bishop  Dubourg 
of  your  arrival,  and  certainly,  however  well 
disposed  they  may  be,  it  will  be  a  great 
surprise  to  see  you  arrive  thus  suddenly 
among  them.  Neither  will  they  be  able  to 
give  you  a  suitable  residence  ;  and  although 
I  am  certain  that  you  would  be  satisfied 
with  even  a  wretched  cabin,  yet  your 
new  habitation  must  be  large  enough  to 
hold  you  all,  and  be  likewise  adapted  to  the 
functions  of  your  institute.  Now,  all  this 
requires  both  time  and  money,  and  as  I 
know  you  have  not  at  your  command 
sufficient  funds,  either  for  your  maintenance 
or  the  construction  of  the  building  which 
you  need,  you  cannot  at  the  present  time, 
make  a  good  beginning.  Besides  this,  it  is 
requisite  that  you  and  your  companions 
should  be  well  acquainted  with  the  French 


136  Life  oj 

and  English  languages  ;  and  it  will  be  diffi- 
cult, if  not  impossible  for  them,  as  well  as 
yourself,  to  acquire  a  perfect  knowledge  of 
these  tongues  while  merely  studying  among 
yourselves  without  the  aid  of  an  experienced 
guide  to  direct  you.  All  these  things  well 
considered,  it  is  my  opinion  that  you  should 
all,  priests  and  lay-brothers,  remain  for 
some  time  in  Kentucky,  and  here  await  the 
arrival  of  your  bishop.  Meanwhile  you  will 
be  able  to  learn  the  languages,  and  take  the 
necessary  measures  to  found  in  St.  Louis, 
a  useful  establishment.  You  can  likewise 
during  your  residence  in  this  place,  begin 
to  pave  the  way  for  a  favorable  reception  in 
your  future  mission.  Such  is  my  opinion,' 
concluded  Bishop  Flaget ;  'if  it  meets  with 
your  approbation,  my  dear  Father  De  An- 
dreis,  and  if  this  locality  and  my  poverty 
be  not  too  disagreeable,  you  are  welcome  to 
them,  for  I  am  willing  to  share  with  you 
all  that  I  possess.  My  seminary  (which  is 
my  ordinary  residence)  is  situated  at  a  place 
called  St.  Thomas ;  it  is  at  your  service. 
Let  us  then  live  there  together  in  common, 
like  good  brothers.' 

*' Father  De  Andreis  was  charmed  with 
these  affectionate  words,  and,  being  also  in- 
timately convinced  of  the  strength  of  the 
arguments,  brought  forward  by  the  good 


Very  Rev,  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  137 

bishop,  lie  determined  not  to  prosecute  his 
journey  any  farther.  He  therefore  thanked 
the  bishop,  and  willingly  accepted  his  gen- 
erous offer.  This  arrangement  being  con- 
cluded, the  priest  who  had  accompanied 
Father  De  Andreis,  and  the  procurator  of 
the  seminary,  returned  to  Louisville,  bring- 
ing word  that  the  remainder  of  the  party 
should  go  on  horseback,  to  Bardstown,  and 
there  remain.  All  were  delighted  at  this, 
and  set  out  forthwith  for  the  seminary  of 
St.  Thomas.  The  superior  of  that  place 
was,  at  that  time,  the  Rev.  Fr.  David, 
afterwards  bishop  of  Maiiricastro,  and  coad- 
jutor bishop  of  Bardstown.  He  had  then 
under  his  guidance,  twenty  young  ecclesi- 
astics ;  they  all  resided  together,  in  a  house 
constructed  of  logs,  the  crevices  of  which 
were  filled  with  clay,  which,  in  drying,  be- 
came as  hard  as  stone.  The  upper  part, 
roofed  with  rough  boards,  served  as  their 
common  dormitory.  Not  far  from  the 
seminary  was  the  episcopal  residence,  also 
constructed  of  logs,  but  somewhat  better 
put  together.  It  was  divided  into  two  stories 
besides  the  basement.  The  first  floor  con- 
tained three  rooms,  the  largest  of  which 
served  as  a  school-room  and  refectory. 
Fathers  De  Andreis  and  Rosati  were  located 
in  the  two  others.  The  bishop  had  his 


138  Life  of 

room  in  the  upper  story ;  near  it  was  a  small 
cabinet,  used  as  a  library,  and  which  he 
gave  up  to  one  of  our  band.  Some  were 
lodged  in  the  seminary,  and  others  in  the 
houses  of  good  Catholic  families. 

"Father  De  Andreis  was  never  weary  of 
admiring  the  generous  hospitality  of  the 
holy  bishop  of  Bardstown,  who  notwith- 
standing his  poverty  and  the  sinallness  of 
his  dwelling,  received  us  with  such  affec- 
tionate charity,  sharing  with  us  not  only 
his  table  and  his  house,  but  even  his  own 
room.  The  servant  of  God  never  ceased 
to  bless  Divine  Providence  for  having  led 
him  and  his  companions  to  a  place  where 
he  could  so  well  learn  the  practice  of  the 
sacred  ministry  in  this  country,  and  be 
guided  by  the  experience  of  two  such  holy 
men  as  Bishop  Flaget  and  Father  David. 
Both  of  those  zealous  and  vigilant  pastors 
had  grown  old  in  the  labors  of  the  Apos- 
tolic career ;  and,  for  many  years,  they  had 
been  employed  on  the  American  mission,  to 
the  great  advantage  of  the  flock  confided  to 
their  care.  "And  most  assuredly,"  adds 
Bishop  Rosati,  "we  learned  from  them 
many  useful  things,  of  which  it  might  have 
been  very  prejudicial  to  ourselves  and 
others  that  we  should  be  ignorant.  For 
example,  they  advised  us  not  to  attack  cer- 
tain customs  of  the  country,  which  were 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  139 

not  wrong  in  themselves,  nor  opposed  to 
the  gospel  or  the  laws  of  the  Church,  but 
merely  different  from  the  customs  of 
Europe.  A  certain  amount  of  toleration  is 
laudable  and  if  it  had  always  been  observed 
by  other  missionaries,  many  scandals  would 
have  been  prevented ;  the  enemies  of  Chris- 
tianity would  not  have  so  many  arguments 
against  us,  and,  in  fine,  the  abjuration  of 
heretics,  and  the  conversion  of  infidels  and 
savages  would  become  a  work  of  much  less 
difficulty."  Such  were  the  instructions, 
which  these  two  excellent  prelates  with  so 
much  prudence  recommended ;  they  sup- 
ported them  by  many  peculiar  facts  which 
had  already  oc cured,  and,  both  the  servant 
of  God  and  Bishop  Rosati  found  out  in 
course  of  time,  by  their  own  experience, 
how  important  these  instructions  were.*) 

*)  Father  De  Andreis,  thanking  God  for  this  use- 
ful advice,  thus  expresses  himself  in  his  considera- 
tions:—  "Dcnique  hoc  Bardense  seminarium  tant- 
quant  probaticam  piscinam  mihi  paraveras,  ut  hie 
alteritts  generis  mirabilia  intus  experirer.  Frustra 
cottarer  exponere  omnia  commoda  et  utilitates,  quas 
hie  invenire  nobis  fuit  et  quoad  corpus,  et  quoad 
animam.  Difficile  admodum  dictu  est  quot  ascen- 
siones  in  corde  nostro  disposuisti,  per  quot  adiuncta 
et  inexplicabiliafacta  voluntatem  tuam  manifestasti , 
et  hie  quasi  Juturce  missionis  tyrocinium  suppedi- 
tasti  in  doctrina  linguarum,  in  morum  regionis 
hujus  agnitione  in  ministerii  experitneiito,  in  solitu- 
dinis  emoluments,  in  fnnctionum  preparandaruin 
opportunitate,  in  quiete  et  tranquil itale,  in  gradata 
vit&  hujus  habitatione." 


140  Life  of 

But  the  best  instruction,  and  that  which 
made  the  most  impression  on  Father  De 
Andreis  and  his  companions,  was  the  irre- 
proachable and  austere  life  led  by  the  two 
bishops  in  their  little  seminary.  Both  of 
them  observed  total  abstinence  from  all  in- 
toxicating liquors,  the  use  of  which  some 
had  endeavored  to  justify,  under  the 
specious  pretext  that  they  were  a  substitute 
for  wine,  which  could  not  always  be  ob- 
tained in  some  parts  of  the  country.  These 
liquors  were  therefore  banished  from  the 
common  table  of  the  seminary,  as  well  as 
from  the  bishop's  private  apartments ;  and 
in  consequence  of  this  invariable  rule, 
when  persons  offered  anything  of  the  kind 
as  a  present,  to  recruit  the  strength  of  these 
two  laborious  prelates,  they  never  accepted 
any  such  donation.  This  example  of  mor- 
tification, being  followed  by  the  priests  and 
students  of  the  seminary,  was  a  source  of 
much  edification  to  all  the  faithful  of  the 
diocese  where,  unfortunately,  the  use  of 
strong  drinks  generally  prevailed ;  and 
Fathers  De  Andreis  and  Rosati,  seeing  this 
abstinence  so  strictly  observed,  determined 
to  follow  it  in  the  same  manner,  as  soon  as 
they  were  settled  in  St.  Louis. 

Meanwhile  Father  De  Andreis  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  Rev.    Fr.   David,  to  teach 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M .    141 

theology  in  the  seminary  and  his  lessons 
were  no  less  beneficial  to  the  ecclesiastics 
of  Bardstown,  than  they  had  been  to  so 
many  others  in  Rome.  The  best  of  it  was, 
that  while  the  servant  of  God  spoke  as  a 
master,  on  questions  concerning  the  sacred 
sciences,  he  himself  became  a  scholar  in 
the  study  of  the  English  language,  under 
Father  David.  He  came  every  day  with 
the  others,  his  "spelling-book"  in  his 
hand,  for,  though  he  already  possessed  a 
tolerable  knowledge  of  the  language,  and 
could  even  write  it  pretty  well,  he  desired 
to  perfect  himself  in  it,  and  especially  to 
acquire  a  correct  pronunciation.  He  was 
not  ashamed  then,  to  seem  but  a  beginner 
in  this  study,  and  to  place  himself  on  a 
level  with  the  scholars  to  whom  he  taught 
theology  in  so  masterly  a  manner ;  using, 
like  them,  the  elementary  books  of  the 
language,  learning  and  reciting  the  usual 
lessons,  and  stammering  over  the  English 
like  a  child  just  beginning  to  learn.  He 
took  the  utmost  delight  in  this  humiliation, 
and  said,  several  times,  Those  words  of  the 
Gospel,  "nisi  efficiamini  sicut  parvuli,  non 
intrabitis  in  regnum  coelorum,"  must  be 
literally  fulfilled  in  our  regard.  Father 
David,  on  his  side,  was  very  much  pleased 
to  give  these  lessons  of  English,  saying, 


142  Life  of 

with  holy  pleasantry,  that  he  cheerfully  ex- 
changed them  for  those  of  theology,  which 
Father   De  Andreis   gave   so   assiduously. 
Hotv  fortunate  I  am,  he  would  say,  to  teach 
you  English!    I  shall  share  in  the  merit  of 
your  apostolic  labors,  and  when,  one  of 
these  days,  you  announce  the  word  of  God 
in  various  places,  I  shall,  in  some  sort, 
preach  it  myself  by  your  mouth! 

The  occupations  of  Father  De  Andreis, 
in  the  seminary  of  St.  Thomas,  were  more 
regular  and  conformable  to  his  desires, 
than  any  others  in  which  he  had  been  em- 
ployed since  he  left  Rome.  He  began  to 
preach  in  English,  which  he  had  never  yet 
done ;  he  also  heard  confessions  in  that 
language,  and,  in  a  word,  exercised  all  the 
functions  of  the  sacred  ministry,  being  very 
much  delighted  to  be  enabled  thus  to  pro- 
mote still  more  the  glory  of  God  and  the 
salvation  of  souls.  He  translated  his  ser- 
mons into  English,  having  already  put 
many  of  them  into  French  ;  his  translations 
were  excellent,  because  he  had  learned  the 
beauties  of  both  languages  from  the  best 
writers  both  in  prose  and  poetry.  Whenever 
he  went  out  to  walk  with  his  pupils,  he 
conversed  with  them  in  English,  and 
desired  to  be  told  whenever  he  made  use  of 
any  unsuitable  expression. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    143 

He  did  not  fail  to  include  in  his  studies, 
the  best  ascetic  books,  especially  the  writ- 
ings of  St.  John  of  the  Cross,  St.  Theresa, 
St.  Francis  de  Sales,  Father  Saurin,  Boud- 
ran,  and  others.  It  was  his  delight  to  read 
these  books,  because,  in  the  sublime  per- 
fection which  they  taught,  he  beheld  that 
to  which  he  himself  aspired,  and  felt  his 
love  for  God  increase  by  the  holy  inspira- 
tions which  they  breathed.  His  heart 
became  more  and  more  inflamed  with  this 
divine  love,  during  his  profound  medita- 
tions, his  exercises  of  piety,  and  his  fre- 
quent and  fervent  visits  to  the  most  holy 
Sacrament  of  the  Altar.  To  all  this  he 
united  the  most  affectionate  kindness  to- 
wards his  missionaries,  and,  in  fact,  to- 
wards every  one.  He  watched  over  their 
health  and  comforted  them  in  their  trials. 
The  moment  he  perceived  any  one  in 
trouble,  he  endeavored  to  win  his  con- 
fidence, in  order  to  dispel  from  his  mind 
any  symptom  of  sadness ;  and,  when  they 
all  gathered  around  him,  he  encouraged 
them  to  put  their  whole  trust  in  God,  or 
amused  them  by  some  interesting  anecdote. 
As  they  all  experienced  the  effects  of  his 
paternal  solicitude,  they  easily  manifested 
to  him  the  most  secret  emotions  of  their 
hearts,  and  nearly  all  desired  to  have  him 
for  their  confessor. 


144  Life  of 

During  his  stay  at  Bardstown,  Father  De 
Andreis  judged  it  expedient  to  send  to  Rome 
some  further  information  concerning  him- 
self and  his  companions ;  we  will  therefore 
give  his  letter  precisely  as  written  by  him- 
self. It  will  not  merely  afford  more  ample 
details  on  what  has  already  been  said,  but 
may  mention  some  facts  that  have  perhaps 
been  omitted.  It  is  addressed  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Sicardi,  and  dated  November  agth, 
1816.*) 

"I  avail  myself  of  an  opportunity  afforded 
me  by  the  Very  Rev.  Vicar-General  of  the 
Jesuit  fathers  in  America,  who  is  going  to 
visit  the  capital  of  the  Christian  world.  I 
am  much  obliged  to  him  for  his  attention, 
though  I  have  not  the  honor  of  knowing 
him  otherwise  than  by  his  letters ;  if  you 
are  kind  enough  to  write  to  me  in  return, 
you  can  send  me  your  reply  by  the  same 
Rev.  Father.  These  facilities  occur  so  sel- 
dom, that  we  must  not  lose  sight  of  them. 

"The  change  of  climate,  food,  etc.,  has 
caused  me  to  suffer  not  a  little  during  the 
past  winter.  At  one  time  the  cold  was  so 
intense,  that  I  fell  down  at  the  altar,  ap- 


*)  From  the  contents  of  this  letter,  we  perceive, 
that,  though  it  bears  a  previous  date,  it  must  have 
been  written  after  the  next,  -which  is  dated  January 
6th,  1817. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    145 

parently  lifeless,  and  it  was  with  great  dif- 
ficulty that  animation  was  restored.  I  am 
now  in  excellent  health,  and,  since  Lent, 
have  been  preaching  and  hearing  con- 
fessions in  English.  Father  Rosati  does 
the  same,  and  the  other  three  priests  are 
preparing  to  follow  our  example.  Father 
Rosati  has  been  absent  since  Easter,  on  a 
mission  with  a  Sulpician  priest.  They  have 
gone  to  a^poor  Catholic  locality,  called 
Fort  Vincennes,  inhabited  by  persons  of 
French  origin,  who  scarcely  ever  see  a 
priest  more  than  once  or  twice  during  the 
year.  I  am  in  daily  expectation  of  Father 
Rosati 's  return. 

"The  life  of  a  missionary,  in  this  coun- 
try, is  pretty  hard ;  he  must  be  constantly 
on  horseback,  finding  his  way  here  and 
there  through  immense  woods,  to  visit  the 
sick  and  attend  the  congregations.  Some- 
times he  is  obliged  to  go  thirty  or  forty 
miles  to  see  a  sick  person.  The  congrega- 
tions are  what  we  call  parishes ;  the  people 
assemble  in  cabins,  built  of  trunks  of  trees, 
laid  one  upon  another,  the  interstices  being 
filled  up  with  clay,  (like  the  greater  num- 
ber of  houses,  into  which  the  wind  and 
rain  enter  without  difficulty. )  These  are  our 
churches,  without  pictures  and  ornaments 
of  any  kind,  provided  merely  with  a  poor 


146  Life  of 

wooden  altar.  They  are  scattered  about 
among  the  woods,  and  on  festival  days, 
Catholics,  and  not  unfrequently  Protes- 
tants too,  for  ten  or  fifteen  miles  around, 
gather  together  within  their  walls.  All 
come  on  horseback,  and  it  is  really  amus- 
ing to  behold  the  surrounding  woods  filled 
with  horses,  and  to  hear  them  neighing  as 
if  a  regiment  of  cavalry  were  in  the  vicin- 
ity. Confessions  take  up  the  greater  part 
of  the  morning,  Mass  is  said  or  sung,  a 
.sermon  or  homily  preached,  and  then  fol- 
low the  baptisms,  generally  very  num- 
erous; the  sick  must  be  visited,  and  the 
poor  priest,  worn  out  with  fasting,  fatigue, 
the  journey,  and  the  heat,  has  at  length  to 
beg  his  dinner  here  or  there.  This  meal 
usually  consists  in  some  corn-bread,  beef- 
steak, and  water,  without  wine,  vinegar, 
soup,  or  oil.  Sometimes  he  is  obliged  to 
say  two  Masses  and  to  preach  in  places  far 
apart,  for  the  people  are  very  much  dis- 
persed, every  one  being  employed  in  cul- 
tivating his  own  land.  There  are  neither 
towns  nor  villages;  you  see  no  peasantry 
nor  servants  ;  all  the  work  is  done  by  negro 
slaves,  who  are  very  numerous. 

"The  other  evening,  having  been  sent 
for  to  visit  a  sick  person,  about  twenty 
miles  away,  I  was  left  alone  in  the  midst  of 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    147 

the  woods,  without  a  guide  or  horse,  the 
latter  having  made  his  escape  into  the 
forest  while  I  dismounted  for  a  moment, 
and  the  guide  had  to  run  after  him  some 
time  before  he  succeeded  in  bringing  him 
back.  However,  the  actual  good  that  is 
done  and  that  which  we  hope  to  realize  is 
a  great  consolation.  Last  week,  I  was 
called  to  assist  a  poor  sick  woman,  whose 
only  dwelling  was  a  miserable  cabin,  in 
which  she  and  her  whole  family  were 
living.  As  this  could  not  possibly  accom- 
modate both  myself  and  my  horse,  a  rich 
Protestant  gentleman,  who  lived  about  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  farther,  came  to  offer  me 
his  house,  which  I  found  full  of  company. 
Controversial  subjects  were  discussed,  and 
my  host  was  so  well  satisfied  with  the  man- 
ner in  which  his  objections  were  removed , 
that  he  promised  me  he  would  become  a 
Catholic.  Protestants  are  generally  very 
respectful  towards  priests,  and  even  make 
it  a  point  of  honor  to  treat  them  with  all 
possible  politeness  and  generosity;  but 
priests  are  too  few  for  the  work  that  has  to 
be  done,  and  they  can  barely  attend  to  the 
wants  of  Catholics.  How  many  die  with- 
out a  priest  and  are  buried  without  his 
ministry!  How  many  congregations  pass 
entire  months,  even  the  greatest  festivals  of 


148  Life  of 

Religion, .without:  Mass;  in  a  word,  with- 
out a  priest !  In  this  immense  diocese  of 
Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  Ohio,  there  are 
scarcely  twelve  priests,  including  the 
bishop,  who  is  continually  on  horseback, 
riding  here  and  there  like  the  youngest  of 
his  missionaries.  He  goes  alone,  without 
any  distinction  of  rank,  save  that  of  taking 
for  himself  the  most  difficult  and  laborious 
share  of  the  ministry.  The  Sulpicians  do 
a  great  deal  of  good ;  we  are  under  veiy 
considerable  obli^o  Lions  to  them  for  the 
charitable  attention  they  bestowed  upon  us 
at  Montpellier,  Toulouse,  Bordeaux,  and 
Baltimore  ;  also  at  the  seminary  where  we 
now  are.  They  are  replete  with  zeal, 
religion  and  piety  ;  indefatigable  and  fer- 
vent in  the  discharge  of  their  duty,  devoted 
to  the  Holy  See,  pure  and  unerring  in  the 
doctrines  which  they  teach.  The  Domin- 
icans also  render  many  services  to  the 
Church  in  this  country.  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  becoming  personally  acquainted  with 
Father  Fenwick,  their  founder  in  America, 
and  some  others.  I  have  no  doubt,  indeed 
I  am  sure,  that  when  once  we  begin  our 
establishment,  we  too  shall  have  many 
students  We  expect  our  bishop  in  the 
course  of  next  summer,  and  we  shall  go 
with  him  to  our  place  of  destination.  We 


Very  Rev,  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    149 

experience,  thank  God,  the  truth  of  those 
words  of  St.  Vincent,  that  One  fares  well 
at  the  Inn  of  Divine  Providence.  How  ad- 
mirable !  to  be  solicitous  for  nothing,  and 
yet  want  for  nothing !  such  is  our  state.  On 
the  one  hand,  I  well  know  how  incapable 
I  am  of  acting  the  superior,  while  on  the 
other,  I  see  that  everything  goes  on  well ; 
better  could  not  be  wished  were  I  the  most 
efficient  man  in  the  world.  Thus,  God 
does  all  himself,  and  I  can  do  nothing  but 
annihilate  myself  in  his  divine  presence,  in 
order  to  act,  speak,  let  alone,  go  or  stay ; 
in  a  word,  follow  blindly  in  everything  his 
most  holy  will,  even  unto  death,  which  is 
now  the  only  end  I  have  in  view. 

UI  have  already  written  to  you  several 
times,  Reverend  sir,  and  have  given  you 
all  the  news  concerning  onr  band.  I  have 
now  been  teaching  six  months  at  the  semi- 
nary. I  have  ten  pupils,  four  of  whom 
belong  to  us  and  the  others  to  Kentucky. 
Father  Rosati  does  wonders  already ;  it  is 
easy  to  see  that  God  has  called  him  to  this 
mission  for  the  execution  of  great  designs. 
His  health  is  robust,  and  he  has  made  sur- 
prising progress  in  the  English  language. 
He  began  to  preach  before  me,  and  I  very 
willingly  humble  myself  at  his  feet,  as  I 
ought,  seeing  that  the  Almighty  grants 


150  Life  of 

him  lights  and  graces  which  he  very  justly 
refuses  me,  on  account  of  my  sins,  ingrat- 
itude, and  unconquerable  pride.  Indeed  I 
think  it  rny  duty,  Reverend  sir,  in  all  sin- 
cerity, and  for  many  reasons  which  I  have 
not  time,  at  present,  to  develop  fully,  to 
entreat  you  to  transfer  to  him  the  office  of 
superior.  This,  I  hope,  will  meet  with 
universal  approbation,  and  will  redound  to 
the  greater  good  of  our  mission,  and  of  the 
whole  Congregation.  I  have  written  in  the 
same  strain  to  Bishop  Dubourg,  with  refer- 
ence to  the  office  of  vicar-general.  My 
pride  renders  it  needful  for  me  to  be  under 
a  superior,  and  my  capacity  is  too  limited 
for  the  pilotage  of  a  bark  such  as  this.  I 
will,  however,  labor  as  usual  without  spar- 
ing any  pains,  until  I  receive  your  permis- 
sion to  resume  the  yoke  of  obedience.  I 
assure  you  that  nothing  in  the  world  pos- 
sesses now  any  charm  for  me ;  life  is  a 
burden,  and  I  desire  but  death.  I  know  I 
ought  to  tremble  on  account  of  my  sins,  but 
I  trust  in  the  infinite  mercy  of  God.  We 
all  recommend  ourselves  to  your  prayers, 
and  those  of  the  congregation. 
"I  remain,  etc., 

"FEUX  DE  ANDREIS." 
The  same  details  were  given  more  fully 
by  the  servant  of  God  in  one  of  his  other 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M .    151 

letters,  which  we  will  likewise  insert  in  this 
place ;  it  is  addressed,  like  the  last,  to  the 
Vicar-General  of  the  Congregation  of  the 
Mission  at  Rome,  and  dated  January  5th, 
1817. 

"With  pleasure  I  prepare  to  fulfil  the 
task  imposed  upon  me,  by  giving  you 
Reverend  sir,  an  account  of  the  state  of  the 
Congregation  in  this  part  of  the  world,  and 
I  undertake  it  the  more  willingly,  being 
now  enabled  to  give  you  some  exact  infor- 
mation respecting  our  future  residence,  as 
we  are  almost  on  the  spot.  It  is  only  three 
hundred  miles  from  here  to  St.  Louis,  a 
journey  which  can  easily  be  performed  on 
horseback  in  a  week,  it  not  being  neces- 
sary to  go  up  the  Mississippi. 

"One  must  be  blind,  non  plus  ultra,  not 
to  perceive  clearly  the  hand  of  God, 
throughout  this  undertaking.  He  removes 
obstacles,  disposes  hearts  in  our  favor, 
opens  a  way  for  us,  preserves  us  from  dan- 
ger, and  by  unforeseen  succors,  abundantly 
provides  for  all  our  wants,  in  a  country 
where,  as  in  England,  everything  is  ex- 
orbitantly dear.  We  meet  everywhere, 
thanks  to  the  same  divine  hand,  a  welcome 
such  as  we  could  hardly  expect  from  our 
dearest  fellow  missionaries  in  Europe,  or 
even  from  our  nearest  relatives.  The  ex* 
pense  of  clothing  foocj  and  traveling  for 


1 5a  Life  of 

twelve  persons,  all  young  and  with  good 
appetites,  is,  of  course,  considerable  ;  yet  I 
can  assure  you  that,  so  far,  I  have  given  it 
no  more  thought  than  if  I  were  at  Monte 
Citorio.  Our  Lord  abundantly  provides  for 
us  without  any  care  011  our  part ;  we  are, 
however,  ready  to  suffer  poverty,  which  is 
the  most  precious  treasure  of  all  Apostolic 
men.  It  is  true,  we  had  some  trials  to 
undergo  in  our  tiresome  and  inconvenient 
journey  down  the  Ohio,  in  a  boat  made  like 
a  cabin,  where  the  rain  often  visited  us 
even  in  our  beds,  and  where,  in  the  space 
of  a  few  feet,  (the  remainder  being  crowded 
with  boxes,  etc. )  we  had  our  kitchen,  re- 
fectory, church,  sacristy,  sleeping-room, 
and  everything  else,  for  nearly  a  month. 
But  when  we  reached  Louisville,  after  a 
journey  of  six  hundred  miles  or  more  by 
water,  we  were  most  courteously  received 
by  a  good  Catholic,  whom  the  kind  bishop 
of  Bardstown,  Mgr.  Flaget,  had  requested 
to  receive  us  into  his  house.  A  few  days 
after,  in  compliance  with  a  letter  which  I 
received  from  the  bishop,  I  started  from 
Louisville  for  this  place,  (which  is  his 
usual  residence, )  in  order  to  deliberate  with 
him  whether  it  woiild  be  better  for  us  to 
continue  our  journey  to  St.  Louis,  or  remain 
for  some  time  in  Kentucky,  the  season  be- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  153 

ing  already  far  advanced,  and  the  jour- 
ney, in  consequence,  somewhat  perilous. 
The  above  named  bishop,  who,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  Bishop  Dubourg  had  been  nomi- 
nated administrator  of  part  of  the  diocese 
of  Louisiana,  agreed  with  me  that  for 
many  reasons  it  would  be  wiser  to  remain 
here  until  the  arrival  of  Bishop  Dubourg, 
that  we  might  make  our  formal  entrance 
into  the  place  altogether.  I  wrote  there- 
fore to  my  companions,  who  came  here  on 
horseback  through  the  woods,  and  we  pur- 
pose to  remain  some  time,  in  order  to  rest 
both  body  and  mind,  and  learn  English  in 
a  proper  manner.  Divine  Providence  has 
given  us  an  excellent  teacher,  under  whose 
tuition  we  hope,  in  a  few  weeks,  to  be  able 
to  begin  to  preach.  Our  seminary  here  has 
something  very  Trappistic,  or  Carthusian 
about  it,  located  as  it  is  in  the  midst  of 
the  forest,  in  a  poor  log-house.  The  bishop 
is  at  the  head  of  the  seminary,  though  he 
is  nearly  always  absent  for  the  purpose  of 
visiting  different  portions  of  the  Catholic 
population.  Missionaries  in  this  country 
sometimes  ride  over  ninety  or  one  hundred 
miles  a  day,  a  fact  which  in  Europe,  will 
seem  almost  incredible.  I  am  employed  in 
teaching  moral  theology  to  seven  young 
men,  four  of  whom  belong  to  our  company. 


154 

I  hardly  believe  there  exists  a  country,  to 
which  the  words  of  the  gospel:  messis 
multa,  operarii  autem  pauci,  would  be  more 
applicable  than  to  this.  The  missionaries 
work  beyond  their  strength,  going  con-, 
stantly  on  horseback,  through  these  im- 
mense woods,  to  assist  the  Catholic  popu- 
lation scattered  here  and  there.  They  have 
not  time  to  attend  properly  to  the  con- 
version of  Protestants,  who  seem  well  dis- 
posed and  desirous  of  hearing  religious 
discourses,  and  who  therefore  might  easily 
be  brought  back  to  the  Faith.  Not  far 
from  the  seminary  is  a  house  of  the  Sisters 
of  Charity,  established  by  the  zealous 
pastor  of  the  diocese.  They  follow  the  rules 
of  St.  Vincent,  though  in  order  to  adapt 
themselves  to  the  country,  they  have  made 
some  changes  in  the  dress  and  regulations ; 
they  also  make  perpetual  vows.  We  can- 
not appear  in  public  unless  we  wear  a 
short  coat,  cravat,  and  round  hat.  In  the 
seminary  we  wear  the  cassock,  and  this 
having  been  noticed,  some  persons  came 
from  a  long  way  off  to  see,  as  they  said, 
'A  Roman  priest  dressed  like  a  woman.' 

"So  far,  we  are  only  four  belonging  to 
the  Congregation.  Brother  Blanka  is  very 
well,  although  he  has  much  to  do,  having 
to  attend  to  the  service  of  the  whole  band 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  155 

(aided  by  the  two  postulants  only,)  to  take 
care  of  our  movables,  which  is  no  little 
matter,  and  to  have  them  conveyed  from 
one  place  to  the  other.  Father  Acquaroni 
acts  as  procurator  in  the  best  way  he  can, 
and  supplies  the  dexterity  that  is  wanting  in 
Father  Rosati  and  me.  Father  Rosati 
makes  rapid  progress  in  the  English  lan- 
guage, and  his  zeal,  health,  and  other  ex- 
cellent qualities,  give  promise  of  much 
good  to  the  country.  As  for  myself, 
miserable  wretch  that  I  am,  most  unworthy 
to  occupy  the  place  of  vicar-general,  I 
hope  to  be  able  to  discharge  some  of  my 
numerous  debts  towards  Divine  Providence, 
by  laboring  and  suffering  until  death,  with- 
out any  reserve.  Here  we  drink  nothing 
but  water,  with  the  exception  of  a  little 
coffee  in  the  morning,  and  tea  in  the 
evening,  with  a  piece  of  corn  bread.  My 
stomach  finds  some  difficulty  in  becoming 
accustomed  to  this  diet,  but  I  never  cease 
to  exclaim :  Felix  necessitas  quae  nos  ad 
meliora  compellitf  We  celebrated  the 
Christmas  festivals  with  great  pomp,  and  a 
pontifical  high  Mass,  which  being  a  most 
unusual  sight  here,  attracted  a  large  con- 
course of  persons.  The  only  Sulpician, 
who  bears  the  burden  of  the  whole  semi- 
nary, numbering  about  twenty  members, 


156  Life  of 

addressed  the  people  ill  our  presence,  and 
demonstrated  very  well  the  truth  of  the 
Catholic  Church,  from  the  very  fact  of  our 
coming  among  them. 

"I  perceive  clearly,  to  my  great  delight, 
that  our  Lord  vouchsafes  to  treat  me  with 
mercy,  as  he  sends  me  crosses  and  humilia- 
tions enough  to  check  my  self-love  and  force 
it  to  take  flight.  I  entreat  you  to  help  me  by 
your  prayers,  and  to  cause  others  to  come 
to  my  aid  that  I  may  thank  him  worthily, 
for  I  candidly  avow  that  I  know  of  no 
grace  more  precious  than  these  joys  of 
Paradise. 

"Here,  almost  on  the  spot,  seeing  things 
as  they  are,  or  according  to  the  information 
which  we  obtain  from  the  bishop,  we  are 
certain  of  the  establishment  of  our  semi- 
nary, and  of  meeting  with  many  subjects 
who  will  seek  admittance  into  our  Congre- 
gation. A  little  later  on  we  may  also 
hope  for  several  other  establishments  in 
various  places,  having  before  our  eyes  the 
example  of  what  the  Jesuits  and  the 
Dominicans  have  done,  they  being  already 
settled  in  many  places.  I  have  had  a  per- 
sonal interview  with  Father  Fenwick,  the 
superior  of  the  Dominicans,  and  some  cor- 
respondence with  good  Father  Grassi,  an 
Italian,  the  vicar-general  of  the  Jesuits,  a 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andrcis,  C.  M.   157 

mail  about  my  own  age,  but  gifted  with 
most  excellent  abilities,  which  enable  him 
to  do  wonders  in  these  parts.  To  him  I 
am  indebted  for  considerable  aid,  as  also 
for  many  kind  offers.  I  very  much  regret 
that  we  have  not  been  able  to  become  per- 
sonally acquainted,  all  the  arrangements 
made  on  both  sides,  for  that  purpose, 
having  failed. 

"I  feel  strongly  impelled  to  devote  my- 
self, in  a  particular  manner,  to  the  conver- 
sion of  the  Indian  tribes  who  live  beyond 
the  Mississippi.  Here,  no  trace  of  them 
remains,  while  on  the  contrary,  the 
Mississippi,  which  serves  as  a  boundary  to 
the  United  States,  and  separates  them  from 
the  immense  wilderness,  which  extends 
even  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  flows  by  St. 
Louis,  and  makes  of  it  the  central  point  of 
all  these  savage  nations.  Among  these,  so 
far,  the  light  of  the  gospel  has  never  pene- 
trated, though  they  seem  well  disposed  to 
receive  it.  Therefore  I  intend,  when  our 
seminary  is  well  established,  to  leave  Father 
Rosati  at  its  head,  and  to  wend  my  way,  in 
nomine  Domini,  along  the  banks  of  the 
Mississippi  and  Missouri,  preaching  the 
gospel  to  these  poor  people.  Before  I  leave 
St.  Louis.  I  will  have  the  Catechism  trans- 
lated into  their  language.  This  I  can  do 


158  Life  of 

with  the  assistance  of  some  Indians  who 
come  from  time  to  time  to  St.  Louis,  and 
persons  of  the  place,  who  are  pretty  well 
acquainted  with  their  language.  I  have 
received  from  men  of  experience,  much 
information,  both  with  regard  to  the  dif- 
ficulties to  be  encountered  and  the  manner 
of  overcoming  them,  and,  with  the  help  of 
God  the  undertaking  seems  as  easy  as  if  I 
already  witnessed  its  execution.  I  shall 
have  much  to  surfer,  but  of  this  I  do  not 
think,  nor  will  I  allow  my  mind  to  rest  on 
it  one  moment.  Too  much  already  have  I 
thought  about  myself,  and  I  am  ashamed 
to  have  done  so,  but  in  future,  nothing  but 
God  and  the  interests  of  his  glory  shall 
occupy  my  attention.  I  see  clearly  that  he 
is  very  merciful  in  my  regard,  for  I  should 
be  an  infidel,  did  I  not  trust  in  him  and 
follow  solely  the  impulse  of  his  Spirit. 

1  'To  tell  the  truth,  the  Indians  are  un- 
civilized, ferocious,  inconstant,  and 
haughty.  They  habitually  lead  a  very 
austere  life,  and  sometimes  spend  several 
days  without  taking  any  nourishment :  but 
then,  if  they  chance  to  kill  a  buffalo  or  a 
deer  in  their  hunt,  they  will  eat  it  all  at 
once,  almost  raw.  They  wear  very  little 
clothes,  and  torment  their  bodies  to 
please  the  'Great  Spirit.'  The  old  people, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  159 

with  the  women  and  children,  remain 
in  the  wigwams,  but  the  others  are 
nearly  always  away  hunting  wild  beasts, 
whose  skins  they  prepare  very  skilfully, 
and  exchange  them  with  the  Americans 
for  provisions  and  strong  liquors.  They 
are  exceedingly  fond  of  liquor,  so  much 
so  that  this  propensity  constitutes  one 
of  the  principal  obstacles  with  which  the 
missionary  has  to  contend,  in  the  work  of 
their  conversion. 

"The  holy  bishop,  in  whose  house  we 
now  are,  looks  upon  our  coming  as  a 
sign  that  a  season  of  mercy  has  arrived 
for  these  regions,  and  I  feel  myself 
irresistibly  inclined  to  the  same  opinion. 
But  the  works  of  God,  as  St.  Vincent 
says,  have  their .  beginning,  progress, 
and  end ;  we  must  follow  Divine  Pro- 
vidence, step  by  -step,  without  ever  inter- 
rupting, anticipating,  or  deserting  it.  Have 
the  charity  to  recommend  us  to  God,  that 
we  may  be  faithful  in  following  this  im- 
portant maxim. 

"The  manifold  changes  to  which  our 
situation  has  exposed,  and  still  daily  ex- 
poses us,  have  never  caused  me  to  feel  one 
single  moment's  regret  for  having  come  to 
this  country  ;  on  the  contrary,  my  inward 
satisfaction  daily  increases,  and  leaves  me 


160  Life  of 

nothing  more  to  desire,  but  death,  from  the 
effects  of  my  labors.  The  world  has  van- 
ished for  us  ;  we  all  look  upon  ourselves  as 
victims  immolated  to  the  glory  of  God,  and 
the  salvation  of  these  poor  souls.  The 
thought  of  returning  to  Europe  never  even 
crosses  the  mind  of  any  one  of  us.  After 
Easter,  Father  Rosati  will  go  about  three 
hundred  miles  hence,  on  his  first  mission  ; 
a  Sulpician  priest  is  to  accompany  him. 
He  will  have  a  good  opportunity  of  meeting 
with  the  Indians. 

Excuse  the  length  of  this  letter.  I 
thought  it  was  not  worth  while  to  write 
from  such  a  distance,  without  filling  my 
paper.  A  kind  remembrance  to  all." 

It  will  not  be  amiss  to  insert  here  some 
other  facts  mentioned  in  part  of  a  letter 
written  by  Father  De  Andreis  to  Mon- 
signor  Paulinus  Martorelli,  canon  of  the 
Lateran  basilica,  August  24th,  of  the  same 
year.  It  is  as  follows : 

"It  would  be  difficult  and  tedious  to  give 
you  a  full  description  of  the  state  of  the 
Church  in  America,  for,  where  you  are, 
you  can  form  no  correct  idea  of  this  country. 
Picture  to  yourself  an  immense  tract  of 
land,  entirely  covered  with  woods  and 
forests,  dwellings  scattered  here  and  there 
without  any  order,  the  towns  and  cities 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  161 

being  few  in  number,  which  is  very  incon- 
venient on  account  of  the  small  number  of 
priests,  and  for  other  reasons  of  minor  im- 
portance. The  churches  are  situated  in 
open  plains,  surrounded  by  the  woods ;  on 
feast-days,  men  women  and  children,  of 
every  age  and  condition,  come  on  horse- 
back, ten,  fifteen  miles,  or  even  more,  to 
attend  Mass,  hear  the  word  of  God,  and 
receive  the  sacraments  ;  so  that,  when  they 
wish  to  go  to  holy  communion,  they  are 
compelled,  notwithstanding  the  fatigue  of 
the  journey  coming  and  going,  to  remain 
fasting  until  the  evening,  when  they  reach 
their  homes.  These  churches,  in  their 
outward  appearance,  resemble  all  the  other 
houses,  being  built  of  rude  logs  and  trunks 
of  trees,  (which  are  never  scarce  in  this 
country),  put  together  with  mud,  and 
through  which  the  wind,  cold,  heat  and 
rain  enter  by  turns.  They  are  entirely  de- 
void of  ornament. 

"Although,  with  regard  to  the  popula- 
tion, these  churches  are  few  in  number, 
still,  as  priests  are  likewise  very  scarce, 
every  one  of  the  latter  has  to  attend  to  four, 
five  or  six  of  these  parishes,  or,  as  they  are 
called  here,  congregations;  and  though  a 
priest  is  sometimes  obliged  to  say  two 
Masses  on  one  day,  some  of  the  congrega- 


162  lAfe  of 


tions  are  whole  months  without  a  clergy- 
man. 

"On  account  of  the  great  distance  at 
which  the  congregations  are  situated  one 
from  another,  the  missionary  is  obliged  to 
be  constantly  on  horseback,  going  here  and 
there  to  preach,  assist  the  sick  etc.  Hence 
twenty,  thirty,  sixty  or  even  ninety  miles 
in  one  day  are  his  customary  rides  ;  his  life 
is,  indeed,  a  hard  and  laborious  one.  To- 
day he  is  in  one  place,  but  he  knows  not 
where  he  will  be  to-morrow  ;  he  depends 
entirely  for  his  food  and  lodging  on  the 
hospitality  of  the  planters  who,  thank  God, 
are  delighted  to  show  every  mark  of  atten- 
tion to  a  priest  ;  even  Protestants  will  do  all 
in  their  power  to  receive  him  well,  though 
the  best  fare  that  he  can  expect  consists  of 
nothing  but  some  corn-bread  very  badly 
baked,  tough  salt  pork,  potatoes  and  water. 
This  is  the  refreshment  that  the  missionary 
finds  after  a  pretty  long  journey,  having 
heard  confessions  the  whole  morning  until 
one  or  two  in  the  afternoon,  said  Mass, 
preached,  baptized,  etc.;  sometimes  at  five 
in  the  evening  he  is  still  fasting. 

"However,  blessed  be  God,  who  in  the 
midst  of  so  many  labors  and  difficulties 
sends  us  the  most  exquisite  consolations, 
both  interior  and  exterior  ;  they  would  be 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  163 

still  greater,  could  we  afford  to  give  more 
help  to  these  poor  souls.  Alas!  to  what 
can  a  Christian,  a  priest,  better  devote  his 
talents,  his  wealth  and  his  possessions  than 
to  this  excellent  work !  For  want  of  means 
we  are  not  able  to  assist  Catholics  as  we 
should  wish,  much  less  can  we  attend  to 
the  conversion  of  Protestants  and  Indians, 
who  are,  on  the  other  hand,  very  well  dis- 
posed fo  receive  us.  How  many  Protestant 
ministers  would  change  their  religion, 
could  we  but  offer  them  some  resource  for 
themselves  and  their  families,  their  un- 
happy ministry  being  at  present  their  sole 
means  of  subsistence  !  Who  would  not  be 
moved  with  compassion  for  these  poor 
souls ! 

"It  is  indeed  a  trial  for  any  one  who  has 
seen  Rome,  to  come  to  this  country.  I  beg 
your  prayers,  Reverend  sir,  that  I  may  die 
sword  in  hand,  since  my  only  comfort  in 
the  world  is  this  hope.  We  are  expecting 
Bishop  Dubourg,  who  is  coming  this  time 
with  twenty-eight  other  missionaries,  and 
we  shall  all  enter  Louisiana  (the  place  of  our 
destination)  together.  This  State  borders 
on  Kentucky,  and  with  regard  to  religious 
matters  is  pretty  much  in  the  same  con- 
dition, with  a  few  additional  obstacles.  I 
am  delighted  that  our  sojourn  here  has 


164 


Ufa  of 


given  ine  some  practice  in  the  language 
and  customs  of  the  country,  for,  having 
gone  through  our  novitiate  in  the  ministry, 
we  shall  succeed  the  better  when  called 
upon  to  labor  ex  professo. 

"I  remain,  etc., 

"FELIX  DE  ANDREIS." 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Arrival  of  Father  De  Andreis  at  St.  Louis,  and  his 
Apostolic  labors. 

IN  September  Father  De  Andreis,  in  con- 
cert with  Fathers  Acquaroni  and  Ferrari, 
having  concluded  the  retreat  at  the  semi- 
nary of  St.  Thomas,  received  the  welcome 
intelligence  that  Bishop  Dubourg,  with 
some  thirty  priests,  had  arrived  in  Balti- 
more, from  which  place  he  was  on  his  way 
to  Louisiana.  The  letter  containing  this 
news  was  addressed  to  Bishop  Flaget  of 
Bardstown,  whom  the  former  Prelate  re- 
quested to  proceed  to  St.  Louis  with 
Fathers  De  Andreis  and  Rosati,  in  order  to 
sound  the  intentions  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  place,  and  to  make  the  requisite  arran- 
gements for  the  Mission  about  to  be  estab- 
lished there.  Bishop  Flaget  set  out  then  with 
the  two  above-named  priests  and  Brother 
Blanka,  all  being  on  horseback.  They 
had  to  travel  over  three  hundred  miles. 
The  roads  were  in  a  most  dreadful  state,  so 
that  they  lost  their  way  once  or  twice,  and 

(165) 


1 66  Life  of 

were  overtaken  by  night  in  the  rnidst  of 
frightful  precipices.  Another  day  they 
were  drenched  by  the  rain,  without  having 
any  means  of  drying  their  garments;  finally, 
on  another  occasion,  they  had  to  go  with- 
out food  from  morning  till  night.  Among 
so  many  hardships  and  dangers  the  Bishop 
did  not  complain  of  his  own  sufferings,  so 
many  years  spent  in  the  sacred  ministry 
having,  as  he  said,  identified  him  with 
similar  trials ;  but  he  deplored  those  that 
his  companions  had  to  undergo,  especially 
Father  De  Andreis,  who  suffered  so  much 
that  he  could  hardly  remain  on  his  horse. 
But  he  conquered  his  bodily  weakness  by 
the  energy  of  his  ever  cheerful  soul. 

After  travelling  nine  days,  they  arrived 
at  Kaskaskia,  a  village  of  French  origin, 
almost  wholly  composed  of  Catholics.  It 
is  one  of  the  oldest  settlements  of  the 
country,  and  was  formerly  the  centre  of  the 
missions  commenced  among  the  Indians  by 
the  zeal  of  the  Jesuit  fathers.  On  descend- 
ing the  hills  which  bound  this  magnificent 
plain  on  the  east,  Father  De  Andreis  and 
his  companions  were  moved  even  to  tears 
at  the  sight  of  the  cross  that  rose  on  the 
spire  of  the  church,  and  with  lively  senti- 
ments of  faith  they  reverenced  this  sign  of 
our  redemption,  which  at  that  period  was 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  167 

but  seldom  seen  above  the  cities  and  vil- 
lages of  the  United  States.  Their  pious 
emotions  still  further  increased  when,  on 
entering  the  place  and  stopping  at  the 
house  of  Colonel  Peter  Menard,  one  of  the 
principal  citizens,  they  heard,  as  the  sun 
went  down,  the  sound  of  the  bell,  remind- 
ing the  faithful  to  recite  the  Angelus 
Domini,  in  memory  of  the  divine  mystery 
of  the  Incarnation.  This  pious  custom,  so 
conducive  to  the  preservation  of  the  Cath- 
olic faith,  had  been  carefully  maintained 
among  the  Creoles,  or  descendants  of  the 
French,  who  were  the  first  settlers  of  that 
place. 

Col.  Menard  and  his  family  welcomed 
the  good  bishop  of  Bardstown  with  the  ut- 
most delight,  gave  him  a  suitable  lodging, 
and  bestowed  on  him  all  the  attentions  that 
hospitality  demands.  They  had  long  known 
the  Prelate,  as  he  had  been  there  to  give  a 
mission,  and  administer  the  sacrament  of 
confirmation.  He  had  deservedly  acquired 
the  esteem  of  all  the  inhabitants,  and  the 
principal  persons  of  the  town  hastened  on 
his  arrival  to  visit  him  and  show  marks  of 
respect  to  the  missionaries  who  accompanied 
him. 

On  the  following  day  all  the  priests  en- 
joyed the  consolation  of  saying  Mass  in  the 


168  Life  of 

parish  church,  which  had  long  been  with- 
out a  resident  pastor.  Father  Don  Dona- 
tian  Olivier  (who  died  at  the  Barrens  in 
February  1841,  at  the  age  of  nearly  ninety- 
three  years, )  came  every  Sunday  to  celebrate 
the  holy  sacrifice,  administer  the  sacra- 
ments, and  preach.  For  this  purpose  he 
had  to  come  from  Prairie  du  Rocher,  fifteen 
miles  distant.  "As  this  venerable  priest," 
writes  Bishop  Rosati,  "came  to  the  place 
as  usual  on  the  Sunday  which  occurred 
during  our  stay,  he  was  kind  enough  to 
accompany  us  to  St.  Genevieve,  another 
French  village,  situated  on  the  opposite 
bank  of  the  river,  about  seven  miles  above. 
"The  parish-priest  of  St.  Genevieve,  the 
Rev.  Henry  Pratte,  came  to  meet  us  with 
several  of  the  parishioners,  and  as  they  all 
knew  Bishop  Flaget,  who  had  given  a 
mission  in  that  place,  he  was  received  with 
many  demonstrations  of  joy.  Some  of  us 
were  quartered  in  the  house  of  the  pastor, 
others  in  good  Catholic  families.  On  the 
following  Sunday  Father  De  Andreis  sang 
high  Mass  and  Bishop  Flaget  preached. 
He  spoke  of  the  object  of  our  mission, 
which  caused  several  of  the  principal  in- 
habitants to  assemble  on  two  occasions, 
when  they  testified  their  earnest  desire  that 
we  should  remain  among  them  ;  but  one  of 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andrei  s,  C.  M.  169 

their  number,  a  worthy  old  man,  told  them 
plainly  that  they  need  not  hope  for  that. 
'St.  Louis,'  said  he,  'will  have  the  pre- 
ference, and  we  shall  be  obliged  to  yield;' 
such,  in  fact,  was  eventually  the  case. 

"At  length,  on  the  ijth  of  October  1817, 
we  arrived  in  the  city  of  St.  Louis,  which 
at  that  period  had  no  pastor ;  it  was  at- 
tended every  three  weeks  by  a  priest  from 
the  other  side  of  the  river.  The  Bishop 
and  the  missionaries  went  to  the  presbytery, 
which  was  an  old  stone  building  almost  in 
ruins,  divided  by  planks  into  two  portions, 
one  of  which,  the  smaller  of  the  two,  served 
as  a  sleeping-room,  and  the  other  was,  ap- 
propriated to  the  parochial  and  municipal 
assemblies.  In  this  tottering  house  Bishop 
Flaget  determined  to  take  up  his  residence, 
and  as  there  was  no  bed  in  it,  some  of  the 
inhabitants  prepared  one  for  him.  Father 
De  Andreis  and  his  companions  had  to 
sleep  on  buffalo  skins  spread  on  the  floor, 
in  the  same  room  or  the  one  adjoining.  It 
is  true  that  the  citizens  were  very  willing 
to  offer  their  own  houses,  but  the  missiona- 
ries concurred  with  the  bishop  in  thinking 
that  it  was  better  to  be  satisfied  with  a  poor 
but  independent  abode,  rather  than  accept 
the  offer  of  any  private  individual.  The 
parish  church,  situated  very  near  the  pres- 


17°  Life  of 

bytery,  was  in  no  better  condition;  it  was 
small,  poor,  and  falling  into  ruins.  In  a 
word,  wherever  the  eye  turned,  nothing 
could  be  seen,  but  poverty  and  desolation. 
Who  would  have  thought  then,  that  in  the 
space  of  a  few  years  there  would  arise  on 
the  same  spot  a  vast,  well-built,  and  well- 
furnished  cathedral !  Who  would  have 
thought  that  the  population,  then  consist- 
ing of  four  thousand  persons  only,  would, 
in  1840,  have  increased  to  the  number  of 
thirty-four  thousand  !*) 

"As  soon  as  Bishop  Flaget  arrived  at  St. 
Louis,  he  interested  himself  in  the  affair 
entrusted  to  him  by  his  fellow -laborer, 
Bishop  Dubourg.  Having  assembled  the 
principal  heads  of  families,  he  spoke  to 
them  of  the  approaching  arrival  of  their 
own  bishop  and  the  missionaries  he  was 
bringing  with  him  to  fix  their  residence  in 
that  place.  He  proved  to  them  that  they 
should  feel  very  grateful  for  the  choice  that 
had  been  made  of  their  city ;  for,  in  con- 
sequence, it  would  rapidly  become  not  only 
the  centre  of  the  extensive  country  around, 
but  the  centre  of  all  religious  and  literary 
instructions,  whence  they  and  their  families 
would  derive  immense  benefit.  He  also 


*)  And,  in  the  year  1900,  to  about  six  hundred 
thousand,  with  sixty  Catholic  churches. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  T)e  Awdreis,  C.  M.  171 

told  them,  that  since  the  bishop's  residence 
among  them  would  confer  so  many  advan- 
tages on  their  city,  they  ought,  on  their 
part,  to  co-operate  in  his  views,  and  cheer- 
fully give  him  all  the  help  they  could.  He 
then  began  to  speak  of  what  it  was  most 
requisite  to  do  first,  and  mentioned  particu- 
larly the  preparation  of  a  suitable  residence; 
and,  as  all  these  arrangements  could  not  be 
considered  in  the  first  meeting,  he  held 
several  general  assemblies,  at  which  he 
begged  eveiy  one  to  express  his  own  opin- 
ion. During  one  of  these  meetings  a  cer- 
tain Mr.  L arose,  and  addressing 

himself  to  the  bishop  and  his  fellow-citizens, 
said :  'I  am  far  from  disapproving  the 
choice  that  Bishop  Dubourg  has  made  of 
this  city  for  the  place  of  his  ordinary  resi- 
dence. He  is  a  bishop,  and  is,  therefore, 
at  liberty  to  fix  his  abode  in  whatever  part 
of  his  diocese  he  may  think  proper  to 
select ;  but,  inasmuch  as  it  concerns  the 
inhabitants  of  St.  Louis,  I  see  no  particular 
reason  why  they  should  contribute  to  the 
expense  that  he  will  consequently  incur. 
The  expenses  of  a  diocese  should  be  divided 
among  the  whole  population  ;  it  is  not  just 
that  they  fall  on  us  alone.  We  have  a 
parish-church  ;  we  will  give  our  pastor  a 
proper  salary  ;  this  will  be  quite  enough  for 


1 72  Life  of 

our  share.  If  the  church  is  going  to  ruin, 
it  is  our  duty  to  repair  it ;  and,  though  we 
have  no  pastor  at  present,  let  one  be  sent  to 
us  and  we  will  cheerfully  receive  him;  but, 
as  to  the  bishop,  we  are  not  obliged  to  do 
anything,  because  his  permanent  residence 
belongs  alike  to  all.'  " 

Such  were  the  arguments  he  advanced, 
but  his  words  made  no  impression  on  the 
assembly,  because  every  one  knew  that  he 
was  not  actuated  by  genuine  zeal  for  the 
public  good.  He  was  a  Catholic  only  in 
name,  who  scarcely  ever  entered  a  church, 
attended  instructions,  or  approached  the 
sacraments ;  consequently,  his  words  pro- 
duced no  effect  on  those  who  heard  them. 
On  the  contrary,  all  manifested  sentiments 
of  an  entirely  opposite  nature,  and  willingly 
offered  to  contribute,  both  by  labor  and 
money,  to  whatever  the  projected  establish- 
ment would  require. 

Meanwhile  there  arrived  at  St.  Louis 
two  deputies  from  St.  Mary's  of  the  Bar- 
rens, a  parish  situated  about  eighty  miles 
from  the  above-named  city,  and  eighteen 
from  St.  Genevieve.  They  were  sent  by 
the  parish  -  priest,  Father  Dunaud,  (the 
last  Trappist  then  remaining  in  Missouri,) 
and,  in  the  name  of  all  the  other  inhabi- 
tants, amounting  to  thirty-five  families, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andrvis,  C.  M.  173 

they  came  to  Bishop  Flaget,  telling  him 
that  they  were  sent  to  beg  him  to  be  their 
intercessor  with  Bishop  Dubourg  on  his 
arrival,  that  he  might  choose  their  parish 
for  the  foundation  of  his  future  seminary. 
They  assured  Bishop  Flaget  that  this  was 
the  unanimous  and  urgent  desire  of  all,  and 
that  they  proposed  to  purchase,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  realizing  it,  six  hundred  and  forty 
acres  of  land,  the  whole  of  which  they  would 
offer  to  their  bishop.  The  worthy  Pre- 
late and  the  missionaries  received  this  gen- 
erous deputation  with  all  possible  kindness, 
and  gave  them  every  reason  to  hope  that 
the  general  wish  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Barrens  would  be  gratified  on  the  arrival 
of  Bishop  Dubourg. 

At  length  it  had  to  be  decided,  whether 
or  not  the  people  of  St.  Louis  would  set 
about  preparing  a  dwelling  for  the  bishop 
and  his  priests,  for  the  time  of  their  arrival 
was  drawing  near.  Bishop  Flaget,  seeing 
that  every  one  was  well  disposed,  returned 
to  his  own  diocese  with  Father  Rosati.  As 
the  bishop  passed  through  St.  Geuevieve, 
he  left  Father  De  Andreis  there,  and  sent 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Pratte  to  St.  Louis,  so  that, 
by  his  presence,  he  might  hasten  the  work, 
superintend  the  laborers,  remove  any  diffi- 
culty that  might  arise,  and  see  that  the 


174  Life  of 

undertaking  was  completed  in  a  skilful  and 
orderly  manner. 

The  parish  of  St.  Genevieve  was  then 
the  first  scene  of  the  Apostolic  labors  of 
Father  De  Andreis  in  the  diocese  of  New 
Orleans,  for  which  he  had  left  Rome.  The 
parish  was  extensive, "and  it  was  inhabited 
by  two  thousand  Creoles ,  or  French  Cath- 
olics. They  were  all  well  instructed  and 
attended  by  the  indefatigable  vigilance  of 
their  excellent  pastor.  The  zeal  of  Father 
De  Andreis,  on  taking  the  direction  of  the 
parish,  was  no  less  ardent.  He  was  assidu- 
ous in  hearing  confessions,  instructing  the 
children,  visiting  the  sick  ;  on  festivals,  he 
celebrated  two  Masses,  and  preached  several 
times  with  much  success.  His  explana- 
tions of  the  gospel  were  so  pleasing,  that 
those  good  people  never  grew  weary  of 
listening  to  him,  and  endeavored  to  put  in 
practice  all  he  said.  Even  yet,  a  grateful 
remembrance  of  him  is  preserved  among 
them,  as  they  call  to  mind  what  their  an- 
cestors told  them  of  his  uniform  mildness 
and  his  other  saintly  virtues. 

While  continuing  to  employ  himself  in 
this  holy  manner,  the  servant  of  God  had, 
near  the  end  of  1817,  the  greatest  consola- 
tion he  could  desire.  His  Bishop,  accom- 
panied by  Bishop  Flaget,  arrived  at  St. 


Very  Rev.  lelix  De  Andreis,  G.  M,  175 

Genevieve.  Bishop  Dubourg  did  not  bring 
the  band  of  ecclesiastics  who  came  with 
him  from  Europe,  having  left  them  in  Ken- 
tucky to  learn  English  and  become  ac- 
customed to  the  manners  of  the  country. 
Father  De  Andreis  accompanied  the  two 
bishops  to  St.  Louis,  where  they  made  their 
formal  entrance  on  the  feast  of  the  Epi- 
phany, 1818,  and  were  received  with  ac- 
clamations of  joy.  Here  the  servant  of 
God  took  his  post  as  vicar-general  of  the 
diocese,  the  functions  of  which  office  he 
discharged,  principally  whenever  the 
bishop,  on  account  of  his  frequent  missions, 
or  his  pastoral  visitations,  was  obliged  to 
leave  St.  Louis.  But  the  office  of  parish- 
priest  was  peculiarly  his  own,  and  he  daily 
devoted  himself  to  it,  performing,  in  the 
best  manner,  all  its  duties,  as  he  had  done 
at  St.  Genevieve.  The  people  of  St.  Louis, 
who  had  been  so  long  deprived  of  a  pastor, 
seemed  to  appreciate  his  merits  as  soon  as 
they  began  to  know  him,  and  to  experience 
the  effects  of  his  paternal  solicitude  ;  most 
assuredly  they  could  hardly  do  otherwise. 
Meanwhile  the  servant  of  God,  before  ad- 
vancing any  farther  in  the  sacred  ministry, 
thought  it  his  duty  to  write  to  the  vicar- 
general  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission 
at  Rome,  to  give  him  a  particular  account, 


176  Life  of 

not  only  of  what  concerned  himself  per- 
sonally, but  also  of  the  state  of  the  mission. 
These  details  are  to  be  found  in  his  letter  to 
Father  Sicardi,  written  from  St.  Louis  on 
the  24th  of  February,  1818,  about  forty 
days  after  his  arrival  in  that  place.  It  is 
as  follows : 

"I  thank  Almighty  God  for  the  consola- 
tion afforded  me  by  the  letter  of  our  worthy 
visitor,  Father  Ceracchi.  It  was  trans- 
mitted to  me  from  Kentucky  by  Father 
Rosati,  and  I  was  delighted  to  receive  such 
good  news  of  our  Congregation  in  Italy, 
and  especially  to  hear  of  their  friendly  feel- 
ing towards  the  American  mission  ;  again 
I  humbly  thank  our  Lord  for  the  kind  re- 
membrance in  which  we  are  held.  Al- 
though I  have  lately  written  two  long  let- 
ters, one  to  Father  Oiordana  to  apprise  him 
of  our  arrival  at  our  destination,  and 
another  to  Father  Giriodi,  I  think  it  ad- 
visable'to  add  something  to  Father  Rosati's, 
as  so  many  letters  are  lost,  and  also  to 
make  up  for  anything  that  he  may  chance 
to  have  omitted. 

"I  write  you  this  from  the  very  ends  of 
the  earth,  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi, 
only  a  few  weeks  journey  from  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  which  separates  us  from  China. 
The  country  lying  between  here  and  the 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  177 

Pacific  is  inhabited  only  by  wild  beasts, 
and  savages,  whose  state  is  not  unlike 
theirs.  Though  the  climate  ought  to  be 
rather  warm,  our  latitude  being  only  39°, 
the  cold  is  so  intense,  that  I  never  ex- 
perienced anything  like  it.  We  cannot 
remain  very  far  from  the  fire,  though  we 
often  put  one  coat  over  another ;  the  cold 
is  so  piercing,  that  it  seems  to  reach  the 
brain,  and  almost  makes  one  giddy.  I 
have  very  frequently  found  nothing  but  ice 
in  the  chalice  while  at  the  altar,  and  had 
some  difficulty  in  melting  it  by  means  of 
fire,  which  had  to  be  brought  to  the  spot ; 
and  even  then,  in  consuming  the  sacred 
species,  I  was  compelled  to  make  use  of 
my  teeth.  This  extreme  cold  proceeds  from 
the  north  winds,  which,  descending  from 
the  icebergs  of  Greenland,  and  passing  over 
the  frozen,  lakes  of  Canada,  come  here  to 
freeze  us  to  death.  We  can  say,  with  St. 
Paul,  'Blessed  be  God  in  f rigor  e^  though 
not  in  nuditate,  for  we  are  but  too  well  pro- 
vided for. 

"I  am  transported  beyond  myself,  when 
I  consider  the  admirable  care  of  Divine 
Providence  in  favor  of  this  mission,  and 
overcome  by  gratitude  on  the  one  hand, 
and  confusion,  by  reason  of  my  unworthi- 
ness,  on  the  other,  I  can  only  exclaim  :  et 


178  Life  of 

wnde  hoc  mihi!  ....  Junes  ceciderunt  mihi 
inpraeclaris!  it  is  not  merely  difficult,  but 
impossible  to  describe  what  I  feel.  The 
most  ardent  zeal  would  here  find  an  ample 
field  for  its  labors,  and  we  have  already 
many  bright  prospects  of  success.  This 
diocese  covers  an  immense  extent  of  coun- 
try, and  the  labor  that  it  will  require  will 
soon  render  it  expedient  to  divide  it  ;*) 
cities,  towns  and  villages  are  growing  up 
before  our  eyes  with  marvellous  rapidity; 
emigrants  are  arriving  in  crowds  from  all 
parts  of  the  United  States,  as  well  as  from 
Europe.  Ireland,  Germany,  Switzerland 
and  France  send  multitudes  to  people  the 
smiling  and  fertile  plains  of  Missouri,  and 
in  a  few  years  the  country  will  become  so 
flourishing,  that  Europe  will  no  longer  ex- 
cite envy.  The  chief  part  of  the  popula- 
tion is  French,  (or  Creole  as  they  call  it,) 
and  consequently  Catholic,  but  without 
any  religious  culture,  on  account  of  the 
long  period  during  which  the  place  has 
been  destitute  of  clergymen  and  of  every 
means  of  instruction.  One  of  the  most  re- 
spectable citizens  said  to  me:  'If  Bishop 

*)  What  Father  De  Andreis  predicted  in  1818  is 
now  more  than  verified,  five  archdioceses  and  twenty 
dioceses  being  formed  in  the  territory  then  com- 
prised in  the  single  diocese  of  New  Orleans. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreisy  C.  M.  179 

Dubourg  had  not  come  in  time  to  our  relief, 
the  last  spark  of  faith  would  have  been  ex- 
tinguished in  our  country. '  But  the  French 
part  of  the  population  will  soon  be  ab- 
sorbed by  the  American  and  the  English, 
among  whom  only  a  small  portion  are 
Catholics,  but  these  are  generally  very  fer- 
vent; the  greater  part  are  Protestants  of 
various  denominations.  We  have  also  both 
French  and  English  infidels,  who  call  them- 
selves Nullifidians,  that  is  to  say,  without 
any  religion  whatever. 

"Let  us  now  proceed  to  the  numerous 
Indian  tribes ;  there  are  among  them  fifty 
different  nations ;  they  acknowledge  one 
only  God,  wtyom,  in  their  language,  they 
call  Chissemenetti,  which  means  'Father  of 
Life' ;  to  him  they  address  their  prayers  and 
offer  the  first  fumes  of  their  pipe.  To 
please  this  god,  they  treat  themselves  most 
cruelly;  indeed  their  whole  religion  con- 
sists in  these  practices,  some  of  which  are 
too  horrible  to  relate.  They  live  like  the 
very  animals  of  which  they  are  constantly 
in  pursuit ;  their  chase  provides  them  with 
food  and  scanty  clothing,  (for  they  go  al- 
most naked,)  and  enables  them  to  trade 
with  the  white  people,  who,  in  exchange 
for  furs  and  venison,  give  them  powder, 
spirits,  paint  to  decorate  their  bodies  and 


i8o  Life  of 

silver  rings  for  their  ears  and  nostrils. 
Their  aspect  is  frightful,  and  one  feels  al- 
most inclined  to  doubt  if  their  reasoning 
powers  be  fully  developed.  I  have  seen 
several,  and  have  conversed  with  them  by 
means  of  an  interpreter;  in  general,  the}' 
regard  priests  with  great  respect,  calling 
them  Mecate-o-coriatte,  which  means  Black 
Gown ;  they  also  call  them  'Fathers  of 
Prayer. '  Some  few  among  them  are  Cath- 
olics, and,  in  spite  of  the  efforts  made  by 
Protestant  missionaiies  to  imbue  them  with 
false  doctrine,  they  constantly  refuse  to 
adopt  it,  objecting  that  the  true  'Fathers  of 
Prayer'  have  no  wives  and  children  like  the 
Protestant  ministers,  but  that  they  devote 
themselves  wholly  to  God  and  the  salvation 
of  souls.  Notwithstanding  the  difficulties 
attending  the  work  of  their  conversion,  I 
am  convinced  that,  when  the  first  obstacles 
are  overcome,  it  will  be  almost  easy.  The 
chief  impediment  is  the  language,  which 
is  not  the  same  among  the  various  tribes, 
though  the  dialects  are  very  much  alike, 
a<nd  the  Indians  of  different  nations  under- 
stand one  another.  With  the  assistance  of 
an  interpreter,  I  have  made  some  attempts 
to  arrange  their  principal  language  accord- 
ing to  grammatical  rule.  It  is  a  difficult 
undertaking,  as  my  interpreter,  knowing 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  181 

nothing  of  such  laws,  cannot  translate  word 
for  word,  nor  supply  me  with  equivalent 
expressions  for  every  idea ;  however,  I 
have  begun  a  small  dictionary,  and  made 
some  translations.  Their  scarcity  of  ideas 
renders  their  language  poor  in  words.  They 
are  consequently  obliged  to  express  them- 
selves with  the  aid  of  circumlocution, 
especially  on  the  subject  of  religion.  As 
some  curious  person  may  be  glad  to  meet 
with  a  specimen  of  their  language,  I  will 
here  insert  the  Pater  Noster  as  I  translated 
it  by  means  of  periphrasis,  for  they  have  no 
word  to  express  either  scwctificetw,  reg- 
mim,  dimitte  or  tentatione.*) 

"Bishop  Dubourg,  our  worthy  Prelate, 
arrived  in  his  diocese  on  the  29th  of  De- 

*)  "Nossak  Peinenke,  chilaape,  ceckimitouseig- 
nia  te  para  quissolimi,  chiriah  debehere  tams-cane- 
cecki  nironan,  chirah  cehecke  deberetau  onahe 
Aposi  pemenke.  Inoke  micipeueh  miricane  oueni 
pera  chiro  cehecki  ineteo  ackeek  chiritoingh  ra- 
pini-ira  ui  oueni  piraki  cehecki  inereo-ackeek  ni- 
voesittacu.  Callanossa  deboe  tavichcane  mereo 
ackeek  checoa  sitojangh.  Cecki  merce  mereo 
ackeek  paquitarno  cane  pervi  mionan."  To  express 
Amen,  they  have  "Ouajak  deboataouiakann." 

They  have  a  great  many  aspirations,  which  they 
articulate  slowly,  sing  their  words,  and  gesticulate 
a  good  deal  in  order  to  compensate  for  the  poverty 
of  their  language.  Some,  but  very  few,  can  speak 
English  and  French.  The  dialect,  of  which  I  have 
given  the  above  specimen,  is  spoken  by  nearly  all, 
and  may  serve  as  a  key  to  the  others. 


1 82  Life  of 

cember,  the  feast  of  St.  Thomas  of  Canter- 
bury. I  was  then  officiating  as  parish- 
priest  at  the  village  of  St.  Genevieve,  about 
sixty  miles  below.  Accompanied  by  some 
forty  of  the  principal  inhabitants,  I  went 
on  horseback  to  receive  him,  and  we  con- 
ducted him  in  triumph,  under  a  canopy,  to 
the  church,  the  bells  ringing  all  the  time, 
amidst  the  universal  joy  of  Catholics,  and 
even  of  many  belonging  to  the  Protestant 
part  of  the  population.  After  he  had  taken 
possession,  by  a  pontifical  high  Mass,  we 
went,  on  the  feast  of  the  Epiphany  to  the 
capital,  in  order  to  perform  the  same  cere- 
mony. Everything  went  off  admirably, 
thanks  be  to  God.  The  mere  presence  of 
the  Bishop,  (who  with  us  is  just  the  same 
as  we  knew  him  at  Monte  Citorio,)  his 
kindness,  benignity,  and  suavity  of  manner 
have  dispelled  the  storm,  dissipated  in  a 
great  measure  every  prejudice,  and  cap- 
tivated all  hearts ;  so  that  the  plan  of  a 
cathedral,  to  be  built  of  stone,  is  already 
traced,  and  will  soon  be  carried  into  execu- 
tion. When  this  is  done,  we  will  begin  to 
think  of  the  other  buildings  ;  it  is  but  just 
that  we  should  commence  by  the  church, 
for  we  have  nothing  now  to  serve  the  pur- 
pose of  one,  but  a  miserable  log-cabin,  open 
to  every  wind,  and  falling  to  pieces.  The 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  183 

bishop  has,  however,  bestowed  upon  it  a 
splendid  temporary  decoration,  chiefly  com- 
posed of  the  ornaments  he  obtained  while 
in  Europe.  The  population  being  a  mix- 
ture of  English  and  French,  we  must  exer- 
cise the  holy  ministry  in  both  languages. 
The  bishop  has  truly  donum  sermonis,  and 
is  perfectly  master  of  both.  I  crawl  after 
him,  as  well  as  I  can ;  we  have  every 
reason  to  predict  great  things  for  the  future, 
and  to  trust  that  we  may  be  able  to  see  all 
united  in  unum  ovile  et  unum  pastor. 

"From  the  time  we  left  Bordeaux,  the 
Bishop  gave  me  the  patent  of  vicar-general, 
and,  in  case  any  accident  might  befall  me, 
he  also  gave  one  to  Father  Rosati.  Called 
as  I  am,  in  virtue  of  this  office,  to  share  so 
largely  in  the  solicitude  of  a  pastor,  especi- 
ally in  our  present  beginnings,  and  having 
so  few  subjects  for  the  ministry,  it  will  be 
very  difficult  for  me  to  place  the  house  that 
we  are  going  to  erect,  on  the  same  footing 
with  those  in  Italy.  In  this  country  we 
must  be  like  a  regiment  of  cavalry,  or  flying 
infantry,  ready  to  run  wherever  the  salva- 
tion of  souls  may  require  our  presence  ; 
making  ourselves  all  unto  all,  to  gain  all  to 
Jesus  Christ,  for  whom  we  came,  that  he 
might  be  known,  loved  and  served.  A 
missionary  country,  and  one  like  this,  must 


184  Life  of 

needs  be  an  exception  to  the  general  prac- 
tice, strict  adherence  to  which  would,  in 
our  case,  be  prejudicial  to  the  greater  glory 
of  God  and  the  welfare  of  souls.  I  believe 
that  the  Congregation  is  for  the  Church, 
and  not  the  Church  for  the  Congregation. 
However,  I  will  do  all  in  my  power  to 
establish,  as  soon  as  possible,  all  the  offices 
customs  and  exercises,  as  prescribed  by  our 
institute.  In  a  short  time  we  shall  all  be- 
gin, according  to  our  regulations,  to  take 
our  turn  in  the  missions.  For  this  reason, 
besides  the  discharge  of  our  daily  duties, 
we  are  obliged  to  labor  not  a  little  to  trans- 
late our  sermons  into  French  and  English. 
Our  greatest  difficulty  is  not  in  writing,  but 
in  speaking  and  pronouncing  the  language. 
I  perceive  that  I  am  almost  too  old  to  learn 
a  language,  and  Father  Rosati  succeeds 
better  than  I  do.  Father  Acquaroni  will 
do  an  immense  deal  of  good  with  his 
French.  His  health,  however,  has  been 
somewhat  delicate,  but  Father  Rosati  has 
enough  for  himself  and  plenty  to  give 
away,  and  I  am,  without  any  comparison, 
better  than  when  I  was  in  Rome.  We  need 
whole  colonies  of  missionaries,  with  con- 
siderable pecuniary  resources,  in  order  to 
make  rapid  progress  in  these  immense 
woods.  But  I  remain  tranquil,  limiting 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  185 

my  desires  to  what  God  has  called  me  to 
do.  Were  they  but  to  save  a  single  soul,  to 
prevent  one  sin,  the  toils,  money  and  trials 
of  a  thousand  missionaries  would  be  amply 
repaid.  God  only  is  great,  and  happy  is 
the  man  who  lives  but  for  Him.  If  I  do 
not  become  a  saint,  with  so  many  excellent 
opportunities  of  practising  acts  of  the  most 
noble  apostolic  virtues,  it  may  be  said  with 
truth  that  I  am  an  inveterate  and  incor- 
rigible sinner.  I  am  more  and  more  deeply 
convinced  that  I  am,  have  always  been, 
and  shall  always  be  good  for  nothing,  if 
God  does  not  perform,  a  miracle  by  en- 
lightening, strengthening  and  sanctifying 
my  blind,  weak  and  perverse  nature.  This 
is  my  constant  prayer ;  do  me  the  charity 
to  render  it  efficacious  by  your  intercession, 
and  obtain  for  me  also  the  prayers  of  fer- 
vent souls.  Prayers,  prayers,  these  are 
what  AVC  most  need.  My  respects  to  all,  in 
which  my  companions  unite. 
"I  remain,  etc. 

"FELIX  DE  ANDREIS." 
From  this  letter  we  may  infer  how  vast 
and  difficult  was  the  field  presented  to  the 
servant  of  God  on  his  arrival  in  St.  Louis  ; 
he  had  to  deal  with  uncivilized  Indians, 
open  unbelievers,  professed  heretics,  but 
few  Catholics,  and  those  few  leading  so 


1 86  Life  of 

corrupt  a  life,  that  they  could  hardly  be 
distinguished  from  infidels  themselves.  As 
he  had  come  to  Louisiana  for  all,  he  would 
have  wished,  in  his  ardent  zeal,  to  enlighten 
and  convert  all ;  he  was  prepared  to  endure 
any  fatigue,  and  would  have  been  happy, 
had  he  been  able  to  devote  his  whole  life 
without  intermission  to  this  holy  work. 
Touched  by  his  sanctity,  all  eagerly 
crowded  to  hear  his  sermons  and  instruc- 
tions, and  no  one  left  the  church  unmoved. 
In  conversation  he  delighted  them  by  his 
gentleness  and  the  affability  with  which  he 
received  every  one,  so  that  they  were  not 
only  led  to  love  him  as  a  father,  but  almost 
to  revere  him  as  an  angel  sent  to  them  from 
Heaven.  It  was,  therefore,  no  wonder  that 
thousands  of  Catholics  were  converted,  that 
heretics  abjured  their  errors,  and  that  in- 
fidels earnestly  begged  to  receive  baptism. 
We  prefer,  however,  to  relate  these  details 
in  his  own  words,  (letter  of  December  yth, 
1818,  addressed  to  Father  Baccaria,  Vicar- 
General  of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission: ) 
"Religious  affairs  wear  a  very  favorable 
aspect,  and  promise  much  for  the  future ; 
meanwhile  the  good  that  is  actually  done  is 
not  little,  though  to  my  confusion  I  must 
acknowledge  myself  to  be  nothing  but  a 
sterile  plant  et  igni  devoranda. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  187 

"One  of  the  Indian  interpreters  having 
fallen  sick,  I  went  to  visit  him  ;  he  made 
his  confession,  and  gave  himself  entirely  to 
God.  He  now  frequents  the  sacraments, 
and  is  helping  me  to  translate  into  the  In- 
dian language  a  catechism,  which  will  be 
of  great  use  in  our  future  apostolic  labors. 
The  harvest  is  great,  and  the  laborers  ex- 
ceedingly few  in  comparison  to  the  im- 
mense extent  of  this  diocese.  We  are 
nearly  all  employed  in  preparing  the  other 
ecclesiastics,  of  whom  about  forty  have  re- 
cently come  from  Europe.  We  are  trying 
to  revive  faith  in  the  doctrines  of  Catholi- 
city among  the  people,  who  for  the  most 
part  know  nothing  of  them  but  the  name. 
We  meet  with  many  persons,  far  advanced 
in  age,  who  are  completely  ignorant  of 
God  and  of  religion  ;  who  have  never  made 
their  first  communion,  who  live  in  con- 
cubinage, and  have  no  vestige  of  Christi- 
anity about  them.  Some  do  not  know  how 
to  make  the  sign  of  the  cross,  or  recite  the 
"Our  Father;"  while  the  religious  ideas  of 
others  have  become  so  confused,  that  they 
believe  there  are  three  gods,  that  Jesus 
Christ  began  to  exist  as  God  at  the  moment 
he  was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  and  other 
similar  errors  without  end,  especially  with 
regard  to  morals.  In  visiting  the  sick, 


1 88  Life  of 

they  have  frequently  expected  me  to  bap- 
tize them  without  water,  thinking  that  this 
could  be  done  without  any  difficulty.  There 
are  a  great  number,  (particularly  among 
the  Anglo-Americans, )  who  call  themselves 
"Nuttifickans;"  they  profess  no  religion. 
Others  are  constantly  wavering  between 
different  forms  of  belief,  unable  to  make  up 
their  minds  to  embrace  any.  We  gain  over 
a  great  many  of  both  kinds,  especially 
when  they  are  at  the  point  of  death. 

"Although  we  are  here  almost  dead  to 
the  world  and  buried  in  loco  horroris  et 
vastae  solitudinis,  we  are  pleased  to  receive 
now  and  then  news  of  our  dear  fellow- 
laborers  in  Italy.  F tines  ceddenmt  mihi 
in  praeclaris !  Truly  it  is  a  noble  destiny 
to  be  employed  in  assisting  the  most  desolate 
portion  of  the  flock  of  Christ  in  an  unfruit- 
ful land,  which  unites  all  the  inconvenien- 
ces of  extreme  cold  and  excessive  heat ;  a 
land  which  produces  none  of  these  numer- 
ous little  comforts  that  are  within  the  reach 
of  every  one  in  Europe.  Here  we  have 
neither  wine,  grapes,  figs,  oil,  nor  oranges, 
etc.  But  we  look  upon  all  these  little  pri- 
vations with  the  eye  of  faith,  and  then 
every  sacrifice  becomes  precious,  and  calls 
forth  our  gratitude.  If  we  had  done 
nothing  else  than  baptize  a  single  person, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.   189 

wlio  was  on  the  point  of  dying  without 
baptism,  or  bring  back  one  soul,  hitherto 
lost  in  the  mists  of  ignorance  and  vice,  all 
our  privations  and  sacrifices  would  be  amply 
repaid.  Through  the  divine  mercy  such 
cases  are  not  of  unfrequent  occurrence,  and 
they  fill  us  with  the  utmost  consolation." 
In  another  place  he  adds  :  "I  attribute  in  a 
great  measure  the  rapid  success  of  our 
labors  to  the  prayers  of  our  good  brethren 
in  Europe.  Conversions  are  numerous, 
especially  among  Protestants  and  unbeliev- 
ers, of  whom  many  become  very  fervent 
Catholics.  In  all  niy  life  I  never  performed 
so  many  baptisms,  nor  attended  so  many 
dying  persons,  as  in  this  place  within  one 
month.  Not  long  ago  I  was  called  up  in 
the  middle  of  the  night  to  visit  a  sick  man 
who  professed  no  religion  ;  I  instructed  and 
prepared  him  as  well  as  I  could  ;  I  then 
baptized  him,  and  he  died  in  the  most 
beautiful  sentiments.  Similar  cases  occur 
frequently  ;  this  very  day  I  baptized  a  con- 
siderable number  of  adults.  I  stood  god- 
father (for  the  first  time  in  my  life)  to  a 
Jew,  who  was  baptized  by  the  bishop,  and 
who  is  now  a  most  fervent  Catholic.  A  sin- 
gular circumstance,  worthy  of  mention, 
took  place  during  the  ceremony.  At  the 
very  moment  that  the  baptism  was  per- 


190  Life  of 

\ 

formed,  a  swarm  of  bees  covered  the  roof  of 
the  church,  an  incident  so  remarkable,  that 
the  children  ran  with  loud  cries  from  the 
street,  to  chase  them  away.  Scarcely  was 
the  ceremony  concluded  when  the  bees  dis- 
appeared and  were  no  more  seen  afterwards 
than  they  had  been  before.  This  favorable 
augury,  of  which  we  have  many  examples 
in  ecclesiastical  history,  seems  already  as  if 
about  to  be  realized  in  the  wonderful  zeal 
which  our  neophyte  displays.  I  receive 
from  time  to  time  most  beautiful  letters 
from  him  ;  they  show  how  much  grace  is 
working  in  his  heart.  He  is  preparing  to 
publish  an  account  of  his  life  and  conver- 
sion ;  it  will  be  a  means  of  salvation  for 
many  others.  The  touching  ceremony  of 
the  boys'  First  Communion  was  the  im- 
mediate occasion  of  his  own  change. 

"That  you,  Reverend  sir,  as  well  as 
others  who  are  interested  in  our  behalf, 
may  be  enabled  to  form  a  correct  idea  of 
the  situation  of  this  country,  with  regard  to 
the  three  most  important  objects  of  our 
mission,  I  will  enter  into  some  details  con- 
cerning each  class  with  whom  we  have  to 
deal,  namely  Catholics,  Protestants,  and 
savages. 

"As  to  Catholics,  who  are  here  those 
domestici  fidei,  who  have  the  first  right  to 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    191 

the  zeal  of  the  missionaries,  on  account  of 
their  ignorance  and  indolence,  the  neces- 
sary consequences  of  having  remained  so 
long  without  any  spiritual  guidance  or  as- 
sistance—  they  present  to  the  zeal  and 
vigilance  of  the  evangelical  laborer  a  sight 
similar  to  that  formerly  beheld  in  spirit  by 
the  prophet  Hzekiel,  a  vast  plain  covered 
with  dry  bones,  devoid  of  life.  This  is  a 
spectacle  fit  to  discourage  the  most  active 
zeal,  for  really  one  knows  not  where  to  be- 
gin. On  account  of  their  constant  inter- 
course with  sectarians  and  infidels  of  every 
kind,  their  ideas  of  the  first  and  most  essen- 
tial points  of  Christianity  have  become  dis- 
torted ;  and,  unfortunately,  they  show  very 
little  inclination  to  reform  them.  For  ex- 
ample, I  happened  to  be  in  a  place,  where 
a  rich  merchant,  who  enjoyed  the  credit  of 
being  the  principal  supporter  of  Cath- 
olicity, treated  us  with  all  possible  atten- 
tion and  kindness  ;  but  one  evening  that  I 
went  to  visit  him,  he  began,  while  we  were 
at  supper,  to  assert  that  one  can  be  saved 
in  any  sect,  provided  only,  he  be  an  honest 
man.  And  he  held  so  tenaciously  to  his 
opinion,  that  it  was  but  with  the  greatest 
trouble  I  convinced  him  that  out  of  the 
Catholic  Church  there  is  no  salvation. 
Another  missionary  told  me  that  while  he 


192  Life  of 

was  staying  in  the  house  of  one  of  the  best 
Catholics,  whose  wife  was  said  to  be  the 
most  excellent  Christian  in  these  parts,  this 
fervent  lady  told  him  one  day  that  she 
highly  esteemed  the  custom  of  assisting  at 
Mass  and  hearing  sermons,  but  as  to  con- 
fession, it  was,  she  said,  a  most  abominable 
practice !  We  meet  with  others  of  the 
same  description  who  are  not  well  con- 
vinced of  the  existence  of  hell,  and  who  are 
ignorant  of  the  most  essential  points  of 
religion.  It  is  pretty  hard  work  to  remove 
their  prejudices.  We  can  do  the  most  good 
with  the  youth  of  both  sexes,  who  really 
are  a  consolation  to  our  hearts.  They  make 
their  first  communion  with  admirable  fer- 
vor, and  afterwards  continue  to  frequent 
the  sacraments  and  attend  catechism.  The 
young  girls,  especially,  delight  me  by  their 
candor  and  simplicity;  they  are  lilies  of 
purity,  angels  in  human  form,  and  their 
piety  will  do  much  good  among  the  rising 
generation,  r  Others  are  caught  on  their 
deathbed,  at  the  latest ;  we  have  some  of 
every  nation,  even  Italians,  who  know  how 
to  pay  compliments,  but  who  are  in  reality 
perhaps  more  estranged  from  religion  than 
any  other  people.  The  Irish  are  generally 
very  fervent,  and  show  no  mercy  towards 
Protestants.  As  the  government  tolerates 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  193 

every  form  of  belief,  those  who  feel  the 
greatest  antipathy  towards  Catholics  can 
proceed  to  no  open  measures  against  them, 
though  they  contemptuously  denominate 
them  "Papists."  Our  separated  brethren 
are,  however,  very  well  disposed,  and  not 
unfrequently  whole  families  of  them  em- 
brace Catholicity. 

"As  to  the  savages,  it  is  rather  a  more 
difficult  task.  These  poor  creatures  seem 
incapable  of  forming  any  idea  of  spiritual 
and  divine  things.  They  know  that  there 
is  a  God,  and  they  begin  all  their  employ- 
ments by  an  act  of  worship  ;  (a  fact  which 
should  make  many  Christians  blush  with 
shame!)  When  they  come  to  trade  with 
the  white  people,  they  begin  to  smoke,  and 
directing  the  first  cloud  on  high,  they  say  : 
'Anaregare  Mi  ohakanda,  which  means :  v> 
'May  this  ascend  to  the  Divinity.'  But 
these  notions  only  concern  the  present  life  ; 
they  believe  that  God  has  given  them  a 
religion  different  from  ours,  and  if  they  are 
told  of  a  future  life  they  understand  nothing 

about  it With  patience  and  time, 

however,  something  will  be  made  of  them." 

In  the  midst  of  so  many  occupations  for 
the  spiritual  advantage  of  his  flock  Father 
De  Andreis  never  neglected  the  particular 
attention,  which,  in  his  capacity  of  super- 


194  Life  of 

ior,  lie  owed  to  the  Missionaries,  whom  he 
had  left  in  Kentucky.  He  wrote  them 
several  letters  in  which  he  exhorted  them 
to  observe,  as  faithfully  as  circumstances 
would  permit,  the  rules  of  St.  Vincent,  as- 
suring them  that  his  most  ardent  desire  was 
to  see  them  all  once  more  gathered  together 
in  an  establishment  belonging  to  the  Con- 
gregation. Father  Acquaroni  was  the  first 
whom  he  called  to  St.  Louis ;  but,  only  a 
few  days  after  his  arrival,  Father  De  An- 
dreis  was  obliged  to  relinquish  his  services 
in  favor  of  three  parishes,  namely :  St. 
Charles,  Dardeune,  and  Portage  des  Sioux, 
where  he  was  obliged  to  send  him.  Father 
Rosati  had  another  destination.  A  short 
time  after  Bishop  Dubourg's  arrival  at  St. 
Louis,  there  came  from  the  Barrens,  (a 
place  about  eighty  miles  distant, )  a  certain 
number  of  deputies  offering  to  give  the 
bishop  a  parochial  establishment.  The  pre- 
late accepted  their  proposal,  in  favor  of  the 
Congregation  of  the  Mission,  so  that  the 
Missionaries  might  build  in  that  place  their 
first  house  and  seminary.  But  we  will  speak 
more  fully  on  this  subject  in  the  next  chapter; 
here  it  will  suffice  to  mention  that  Father 
Rosati  was  sent  to  the  Barrens  as  superior 
of  the  house  and  seminary  to  be  erected. 
However,  as  the  novices  could  not  be  ac- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  195 

conmiodated,  nor  properly  trained  there, 
the  servant  of  God  directed  them  to  come 
to  St.  Louis,  where  he  himself  superin- 
tended their  exercises.  Before  they  had 
completed  their  time  in  the  novitiate, 
Father  De  Andreis  was  often  obliged  to 
send  them  wherever  the  urgent  wants  of 
the  diocese  demanded  their  presence. 
Others  arrived  from  Europe  ;  these  also  he 
trained,  habituating  them  to  the  many 
wants  and  privations  which  they  were 
obliged  to  undergo,  until  they  were  provided 
with  a  suitable  abode.  Besides  the  Bar- 
rens, the  good  bishop  had  assigned  them 
another  residence  on  some  uncultivated 
land  within  the  precints  of  the  city  of  St. 
Louis.  It  would  be  hardly  possible  to 
believe,  or  even  imagine,  how  many  hard- 
ships were  endured  by  Father  De  Andreis 
and  his  companions,  had  he  not  left  us  an 
account  of  them  in  the  following  words : 
(Letter  to  Father  Baccaria  of  the  igth  of 
September. ) 

"I  wish  I  could  give  you  some  idea  of 
our  establishment,  which  covers  about  one 
square  mile  of  land,  seemingly  uncultivated 
sinc<j  the  time  of  Adam.  Our  house  will 
be  habitable  next  November ;  the  expense 
of  building  is  enormous  in  this  country, 
though  we  are  as  saving  as  possible,  and 


K/I  Life  of 

every  one  does  his  share  of  the  work. 
Father  Cellini  labors  like  any  hired  work- 
man, and  the  bishop  himself  does  not 
shrink  from  helping  to  carry  the  lumber ; 
he  remains  the  whole  day  in  the  heat  of  the 
sun,  spurring  on  the  workmen  and  super- 
intending the  undertaking.  I  hope  to  be 
able  to  enclose  you  a  sketch  of  our  plan. 

"Meanwhile  our  seminary  is  located  in 
a  miserable  cabin,  made  of  logs  roughly 
put  together,  or  as  they  say  here,  a  'log- 
house.'  We  have  introduced  into  it  the 
regular  observance  of  our  rule,  and  the  or- 
der of  our  daily  exercises,  with  as  much 
exactitude  as  our  situation  will  permit. 
Our  fare  is  exceedingly  poor ;  ill-baked 
bread,  fresh  water  instead  of  wine,  meat 
only  now  and  than,  potatoes,  cabbage,  and 
other  vegetables.  Our  supper  is  composed 
of  bread  and  milk,  this  being  our  choicest 
food.  We  sleep  crowded  together  in  the 
best  way  we  can,  and  we  have  plenty  to  do 
in  the  labors  of  our  holy  ministry  and  in 
teaching.  In  this  country  the  cold  and  heat 
are  both  extreme,  and  the  soil  which  is  so 
unproductive  of  fruits  and  eatables,  abounds 
on  the  contrary  with  insects  of  every  de- 
scription, which  trouble  us  considerably. 
I  have  counted  no  less  than  ten  different 
species  of  insects,  which  attack  us  during 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andrew,  C.  M.  197 

the  night,  and  will  not  let  us  rest.  It 
seems  almost  incredible,  and  yet  it  is  per- 
fectly true  that,  in  one  night,  I  killed  as 
many  as  one  hundred  large  bugs.  There  is 
especially  one  insect  here,  quite  unknown 
in  Europe  ;  it  is  called  the  Tick.  When  it 
succeeds  in  burying  itself  in  the  flesh,  (as 
it  always  seeks  to  do, )  it  makes  one  suffer 
agonies.  I  have  been  told  that  a  person 
died  from  the  impossibility  of  having  it 
extracted  from  the  place  where  it  had 
lodged  itself.  It  can  never  be  removed  but 
by  making  a  wound  and  extracting  it 
piecemeal.  The  best  way  to  destroy  it,  is 
to  crush  it  with  an  iron. 

UI  must  apologize  for  entering  into  so 
many  details,  but  I  wished  thereby  to 
satisfy  the  curiosity  of  those  who  like  to  be 
informed  of  everything ;  besides,  by  giving 
a  few  particulars  in  each  letter,  I  shall,  in 
time,  tell  you  all.  I  assure  you  that  when 
I  think  of  Italy,  it  appears  to  me  an  earthly 
paradise,  in  comparison  with  America  ;  and 
I  cannot  conceive  how  so  many  Europeans 
undergo  such  privations  and  trials,  for  a 
miserable  worldly  gain.  I  know  that  were 
it  not  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salva- 
tion of  souls,  I  would  not  stay  where  I  am 
for  all  the  gold  in  the  world." 

Through  this  motive  alone  Father   De 


198  Life  of 

Andreis  endured  with  intrepidity  every 
hardship,  and  even  appeared  to  become 
daily  more  desirous  of  fresh  sufferings. 
Besides  the  labors  already  noticed,  the  ser- 
vant of  God  was  obliged  to  undertake  an- 
other no  less  fatiguing  occupation,  namely 
of  teaching  the  ecclesiastical  sciences. 
Bishop  Dubourg  had  founded  in  St.  Louis 
a  college  for  clerical  students,  and  a  school 
for  seculars,  in  which,  all  being  well  in- 
structed and  trained,  might  afterwards, 
each  one  according  to  his  vocation,  diffuse 
the  light  of  the  gospel  among  others. 
Father  De  Andreis  was  chosen  by  the 
bishop  to  be  the  director  of  both  establish- 
ments. He  was  entrusted,  in  a  special 
manner,  with  the  instruction  of  the  clerical 
students,  and  of  those  young  priests  who 
had  not  yet  concluded  their  regular  course 
of  stud}'  in  theology  and  the  Scriptures. 
He  fulfilled  this  office  with  the  greatest  joy, 
and  with  that  excellent  judgment,  which 
enabled  him  to  explain  clearly  all  that 
serves  to  make  a  perfect  theologian. 

It  is  difficult  to  understand  how  one  per- 
son could  discharge  so  many  different  em- 
ployments, each  of  which  was  enough  to 
require  all  the  talent  of  a  perfect  clergy- 
man ;  and  yet  it  is  a  fact  that  he  fulfilled 
them  all  with  diligence  and  accuracy.  The 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  199 

duties  of  one  never  interfered  with  those  of 
another,  but  on  the  contrary,  he  performed 
each  one  with  as  much  perfection  as  if  it 
alone  were  the  object  of  his  care ;  and  all 
this  he  did  constantly  without  ever  seeming 
to  be  busy  or  anxious.  In  this  we  must 
again  acknowledge,  as  we  had  occasion  to 
do  elsewhere,  that  he  was  abundantly  gifted 
with  uncommon  talent  and  light,  which 
rendered  him  skilful  in  every  science,  and 
apt  to  discharge  properly  any  employment, 
however  unexpectedly  he  might  be  required 
to  fulfil  its  duties.  He  was  also  endowed 
with  extreme  facility  in  writing  on  any 
subject ;  and  his  zeal  was  such,  that  he 
seemed  insensible  to  any  amount  of  labor, 
however  multifarious  his  occupations  might 
be.  Neither  did  he  confine  himself  to 
these  ;  he  found  time  (we  know  not  whether 
during  the  day  or  night,)  to  write  a  prodi- 
gious number  of  letters,  some  to  his  fellow- 
missionaries  to  encourage  them  in  their 
apostolic  functions,  others  to  secular  priests, 
who,  aware  of  his  learning,  had  recourse  to 
him  as  to  an  oracle,  to  obtain  his  decision 
in  intricate  or  difficult  matters  ;  and  these 
were  of  very  frequent  occurrence.  He  like- 
wise found  time  to  compose  discourses,  or 
translate  his  former  ones  into  English  and 
French,  making  in  them  many  alterations 


2oo  Lift'  of 

that  circumstances  of  time  and  place 
rendered  necessary.  He  also  noted  down 
on  paper  the  particular  inspirations  which 
he  received  from  God  in  his  daily  medita- 
tions ;  and  he  wrote  and  dictated  every- 
thing with  so  much  precision  and  rapidity, 
that  it  might  be  said  of  him  with  truth  : 
Lingua  mea  calamus  scribae  velociter  scri- 
bentis.  He  often  dictated  his  compositions 
or  explanations,  because  his  frequent  infir- 
mities kept  him  in  bed,  in  which,  when 
unable  to  rise,  he  kept  class,  wrote  letters, 
and  settled  the  affairs  of  the  parish.  In 
one  of  these  attacks  he  became  so  sick  that 
it  was  necessary  to  give  him  the  holy  viati- 
cum, his  life  being  completely  despaired  of. 
When  Bishop  Dubourg,  accompanied  by- 
several  ecclesiastics,  who  were  shedding 
tears,  came  to  give  him  the  last  sacraments: 
"Come  now,  Father  De  Andreis,  he  said 
to  him :  I  want  you  to  pray  for  your  re- 
covery." In  obedience  to  this  command 
the  invalid  prayed,  and  was  immediately 
cured. 

As  soon  as  he  was  restored  to  health,  he 
resumed  all  his  accustomed  duties,  in  re- 
ference to  which,  writing  to  his  superior  in 
Rome,  he  says:  "You  tell  me,  Reverend 
sir,  in  your  letter,  that  I  am  burdened 
beyond  my  strength.  Perhaps  I  am,  but 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M'  201 

this  is  only  because  of  my  weakness.  But 
I  must  tell  you  something  which  redounds 
to  the  glory  of  God,  to  whom  alone  it  is 
due  :  the  number  of  adult  baptisms  is  very 
great.  I  have  sometimes  baptized  whole 
families  at  a  time,  during  high  Mass,  ex- 
plaining meanwhile,  one  by  one,  all  the 
baptismal  ceremonies  to  a  crowd  of  people. 
Sometimes  we  have  savages  to  be  baptized,  at 
others,  persons  of  every  sect  and  nation.  We 
always  have  catechumens  in  course  of  in- 
struction, sick  people  to  be  visited,  who 
often  become  converts  at  the  point  of  death, 
and  all  this,  with  our  other  duties,  keeps 
us  constantly  employed.  Besides  the  class 
of  theology,  the  confessional  may  be  called 
our  daily  task.  We  are  obliged  to  preach 
very  often,  as  no  marriage  nor  baptism 
takes  place  without  a  sermon.  We  have 
also  to  preach  at  funerals,  so  that  without 
taking  into  account  our  regular  sermons  in 
French  and  English,  we  are  often  obliged 
to  preach  several  times  a  day  in  both 
languages." 

Father  De  Andreis  hoped  that  his  novices 
would  one  day  be  able  to  share  his  numerous 
duties  ;  but  this  expectation  proved  vain. 
Mr.  Tichitoli  fell  sick  ;  his  lungs  became  so 
weak,  that  it  was  feared  hr  would  soon  die 
of  consumption.  The  physicians  declared 


2O2 

that  he  would  not  live  long,  unless  he  im- 
mediately left  the  climate  of  Missouri, 
where  the  cold  of  winter  is  extreme.  It 
was,  therefore,  judged  expedient  to  send 
him  to  a  milder  region  in  the  southern  part 
of  Louisiana,  and,  as  he  had  already  com- 
pleted his  entire  course  of  theology,  Bishop 
Dubourg  promoted  him  to  the  priesthood, 
and  sent  him  to  Donaldson ville,  in  1819, 
in  order  that  he  might  exercise  the  holy 
ministry  under  the  direction  of  Rev.  Joseph 
Bigeschi,  the  excellent  pastor  of  that  place. 
Mr.  Tichitoli  deeply  felt  his  separation 
from  his  cherished  guide  and  superior  in 
the  novitiate ;  and  his  grief  was  the  more 
acute,  as  he  feared  that  his  removal  might 
cause  him  to  be  excluded  from  the  body  of 
the  Congregation.  But  Father  De  Andreis 
(himself  much  grieved  to  part  from  one 
whose  virtues  rendered  him  estimable  in  all 
eyes,)  consoled  him  by  telling  him  that,  as 
long  as  he  continued  to  observe  the  rules  of 
the  novitiate,  he  would  always  consider  him 
as  a  true  son  of  St.  Vincent ;  and  that  when 
the  time  of  making  his  vows  had  come,  he 
would  send  for  him  to  make  them  at  the 
seminary  in  St.  Louis,  as  he  eventually  did. 
Neither  did  Father  De  Andreis  keep  his  two 
other  novices  with  him  very  long ;  after  six 
months'  novitiate,  he  was  compelled  to 


Very  Rev.  Felix  DC  Andreis,  C.  M.  203 

part  with  Mr.  Ferrari,  who  was  sent  to 
Vincermes,  then  dependent  on  the  diocese 
of  Bardstown,  some  idea  being  entertained 
of  founding  a  house  of  the  Mission  there. 
By  the  same  motive,  and  with  similar  in- 
tentions, Mr.  Dahmen  was  taken  from  the 
novitiate.  Brother  Blanka  had  previously 
left  St.  Louis  for  the  seminary  of  St.  Mary's 
of  the  Barrens,  where  his  services  were  ab- 
solutely necessary. 

The  servant  of  God,  thus  separated  from 
all  his  novices  and  companions,  though  he 
experienced  great  pain  at  so  many  pri- 
vations, felt  consoled  by  the  thought  that 
his  beloved  children,  scattered  indifferent 
places,  were  laboring  with  zeal  in  the  vine- 
yard of  the  L,ord.  He  heard  of  their  fidelity 
to  the  rule,  of  their  perseverance  in  the 
spirit  of  their  vocation,  and  rejoiced  par- 
ticularly at  the  prospect  of  the  speedy 
establishment  of  his  Congregation  in  the 
United  States.  He  witnessed  with  equal 
delight  the  daily  progress  of  the  novitiate 
opened  at  the  Barrens,  under  the  superin- 
tendence of  Father  Rosati,  and  the  arrival  of 
numerous  Missionaries,  whom  Father  Bec- 
caria,  superior  of  the  Congregation  after 
Father  Sicardi,  sent  to  the  aid  of  the  Ameri- 
can mission.  The  arrival  of  this  little 
colony,  composed  of  one  priest,  some  semi- 


I 
204  Life  of 

narists  and  two  lay-brothers,  who  were  all 
to  remain  under  the  immediate  direction  of 
Father  De  Andreis,  was  a  source  of  great  joy 
to  him,  and  he  gave  them  a  most  hearty  wel- 
come when  they  came  to  St.  Louis  to  place 
themselves  under  his  orders.  The  last 
consolation  of  the  servant  of  God,  was  that 
of  re-opening  the  novitiate  for  new  can- 
didates for  admission.  Among  them,  a 
certain  Mr.  Leo  De  Neckere,  although  very 
young,  was  remarkable  for  his  uncommon 
talents  and  piety.  He  was  afterwards 
raised  to  the  episcopal  see  of  New  Orleans, 
where  he  soon  fell  a  victim  to  his  zeal  for  the 
salvation  of  his  flock.  Only  one  spiritual 
consolation  was  now  wanting  to  Father  De 
Andreis,  the  one  which  he  had  in  view  in 
leaving  home,  for  which  he  undertook  the 
journey  to  America,  and  endured  so  many 
hardships  ;  in  a  word,  that  which  had  ever 
been  the  object  of  his  most  ardent  desires, 
of  his  fervent  prayers  ;  this  was  the  entire 
consecration  of  himself  to  the  conversion  of 
the  Indians.  He  had  met  with  several  of 
these  poor  people  at  St.  Louis  and  else- 
where, and  had  endeavored  to  make  him- 
self understood  by  a  great  many  of  them. 
The  sight  of  them  did  but  increase  his 
desire  to  labor  among  them,  while  he  com- 
passionated from  the  bottom  of  his  heart 


Very  Rev.  Felw  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  205 

their  unhappy  state,  deprived,  as  they 
were,  of  the  knowledge  of  God  and  re- 
ligion. Still  cherishing  the  hope  of  being 
one  day  able  to  go  among  them,  he  studied 
the  dialect  used  by  one  of  the  Indian  tribes, 
trusting  that  this  knowledge  would  be  a  key 
to  the  language  of  the  others.  At  length 
he  seemed  on  the  point  of  attaining  the  end 
for  which  he  so  ardently  sighed,  being  re- 
quired to  accompany  his  bishop  to  those 
immense  forests ;  already,  in  the  transports 
of  his  joy,  he  wrote  to  the  seminary  of  the 
Barrens  in  the  following  terms  : 

"Alleluia!  Deogratias!  At  length  we 
are  to  commence  a  mission  among  the 
savages.  I  am  to  have  the  happiness  of 
accompanying  the  bishop  to  visit  these  un- 
fortunate people  !"  But  these  wishes  were 
the  last  sparks  of  that  flame  of  charity 
which  burned  within  his  heart ;  for  he  was 
soon  to  depart  for  heaven,  for  which  he 
constantly  sighed,  that  he  might  be  united 
for  ever  with  his  God.  Like  St.  Vincent, 
who  was  not  able  before  his  death  to  behold 
the  establishment  of  his  Missionaries  in  the 
island  of  Madagascar,  for  which  he  so 
ardently  longed,  and  had  made  so  many 
sacrifices ;  like  St.  Francis  Xavier,  who 
had  to  stop  on  the  very  threshhold  of  China, 
without  entering  the  kingdom,  because 


206 


Life  oj 


God  called  him  to  himself ;  so  was  Father 
De  Andreis  to  see  the  Indian  tribes,  and  to 
approach  them,  without  having  it  in  his 
power  to  liberate  them  from  the  bonds  of 
their  ignorance.  God  destined  others,  after 
his  death,  to  undertake  this  work. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

St.  Mary's  Seminary  of  The  Barrens.  —  First  House  of 
the  Congregation  of  the  Mission  in  the  United  States. 
— Father  Rosati  its  first  Superior. — Opening  of  the 
Novitiate  in  St.  Louis.  —  Father  De  Andreis  as 
Master  of  Novices. 

IN  the  early  days  of  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury a  colony  of  Catholics  settled  at  Perry- 
ville  in  Perry  County,  Mo.,  about  eighty 
miles  south  of  St.  Louis.  Nearly  all  the 
land  in  this  county  was  covered  with  tim- 
ber, but  a  few  spots  of  prairie  were  found, 
here  and  there,  in  the  woods.  These  spots, 
barren  of  trees,  but  rich  in  productive  soil, 
received  among  the  pioneer  settlers  the 
name  of  "barrens."  The  term  was  soon 
employed  to  designate  the  entire  neighbor- 
hood, which  became  known  throughout  the 
surrounding  country  as  "The  Barrens." 
Here  was  located  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  the 
oldest  institution  of  higher  education  west 
of  the  Mississippi  River.  For  half  a  cen- 
tury St.  Mary's  shone  like  a  beacon-light 
of  learning  in  the  West,  and  gave  celebrity, 
which  would  never  else  have  been  accorded, 
to  the  name  of  "The  Barrens." 
(207) 


2o8  Life  of 

The  early  settlers  of  The  Barrens  were 
Anglo-Americans  and  came  originally  from 
Maryland.  During  the  persecutions  against 
Catholics,  which  were  raised  in  that  state, 
they  sought  refuge  in  this  part  of  Missouri. 
At  St.  Genevieve,  eighteen  miles  distant, 
there  was  a  resident  priest  who  attended, 
for  a  while,  to  their  spiritual  wants.  But, 
at  the  time  of  which  we  write,  a  Trappist 
Monk,  Father  Joseph  Dunaud,  who  lived 
at  Florissant,  a  hundred  miles  above,  vis- 
ited The  Barrens  whenever  he  could. 

The  people  had  built  a  small  log  church , 
with  a  sacristy  adjoining.  Here  the  holy 
mysteries  were  celebrated  whenever  their 
pastor  or  any  other  priest  came  among 
them.  These  good  people  were  devotedly 
attached  to  their  faith,  and  they  lived  to- 
gether in  the  most  perfect  harmony  and  the 
most  exact  observance  of  the  law  of  God 
and  the  precepts  of  the  Church.  Their 
most  ardent  desire  was  to  have  a  pastor  re- 
siding among  them,  to  instruct  and  direct 
them  in  the  ways  of  eternal  life.  When 
they  heard  that  Bishop  Dubourg,  accom- 
panied by  several  priests,  had  arrived  in 
St.  Louis,  where  he  was  going  to  fix  his 
residence,  they  began  to  hope  for  the 
speedy  fulfillment  of  their  wishes. 

The  principal  inhabitants  held  a  meeting 


Very  Rev.  Felix  DC  Andreis,  C.  M.  209 

and  determined  to  make  an  extraordinary 
effort  to  secure  the  presence  among  them  of 
one  or  more  of  the  newly  arrived  priests. 
They  succeeded  beyond  their  hightest  an- 
ticipations. They  bought,  and  partly  paid 
for,  a  tract  of  land  which  they  determined 
to  offer  to  the  bishop,  as  an  inducement  for 
him  to  send  them  a  resident  pastor.  A 
delegation  was  sent  to  St.  Louis  to  wait  on 
Bishop  Dubourg  and  to  make  known  to 
him  the  desires  of  the  settlers,  and  the 
steps  the}'  had  taken  ;  and  that  they  were 
disposed  to  make  still  further  sacrifices  as 
soon  as  circumstances  and  the  poverty  of 
the  neighborhood  would  allow  them  to 
do  so. 

The  Prelate  was  moved  very  deeply  on 
receiving  these  offers  ;  he  admired  the  gen- 
erosity of  their  hearts,  their  simplicity,  and 
the  ardor  of  the  faith  which  animated 
them.  Not  only  did  he  receive  these  good 
men  with  the  utmost  cordiality,  expressing 
his  willingness  to  accede  to  their  pious  de- 
sires, but  he  further  promised  that  he 
would  himself  go  to  visit  them,  the  better 
to  settle,  on  the  spot,  everything  requisite 
for  the  execution  of  their  design.  He  went 
there  eventually,  and  found  that  they  were 
an  industrious  upright  people.  They  greeted 
him  as  their  true  father  and  pastor ;  he 


210  Life,  of 

examined  the  quality  of  the  ground  which 
was  offered  him,  and  found  it  of  easy  cul- 
tivation ;  the  climate  also  was  healthy,  and, 
having  well  considered  the  matter,  he  no 
longer  doubted  that  Divine  Providence  had 
sent  him  this  excellent  location,  as  much 
for  the  spiritual  advantage  of  the  colony, 
as  for  the  erection  of  a  house  of  the  Con- 
gregation of  the  Mission.  Father  De  An- 
dreis,  to  whom  on  his  return  to  St.  Louis 
the  bishop  gave  a  full  account  of  the  state 
of  the  place,  immediately  gave  his  entire 
approval  to  the  plan  ;  he  desired  nothing 
more  ardently  than  to  behold  a  house  of  the 
Congregation  established  in  these  distant 
regions,  and  now,  to  his  astonishment, 
much  sooner  than  any  one  could  have  an- 
ticipated, he  beheld  the  arrival  of  the 
happy  time  when  the  children  of  St.  Vin- 
cent were  to  be  permanently  established 
amidst  the  woods  and  wilds  of  the  New 
World.  He  rejoiced  in  God;  but  sank 
lower  still  into  the  depths  of  his  humility, 
seeing  that  the  Almighty  had  blessed  his 
desires  and  his  manifold  sufferings.  With 
delight  he  would  have  gone  to  clear  away 
the  land  with  his  own  hands,  instruct  the 
poor  and  honest  people,  "plan  the  proposed 
building,  and  arrange  all  the  most  arduous 
work  that  had  to  be  done  in  the  place,  but 


Very  Rev.  Felix,  DeAndreis,  C.  31.  211 

the  bishop  would  never  let  him  leave  liis 
post;  so  he  had  to  make  up  his  mind  to 
remain  at  St.  Louis,  whence  he  had 
despatched  suitable  aid  for  the  work. 

His  first  and  principal  care  was  to  recall 
from  Bardstown  Father  Rosati  and  his  other 
Missionaries  whom  he  immediately  sent  to 
The  Barrens,  for  the  double  purpose  of  tak- 
ing spiritual  charge  of  the  colonists,  and  of 
superintending  and  aiding  by  their  personal 
labor,  the  building  of  the  new  house.  They 
went  there  as  directed,  and  Father  Rosati 
rendered  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  so 
much  assistance  to  the  work,  that  he 
deserved  to  be  chosen  its  first  head,  director, 
and  superior.  Bishop  Dubourg,  on  his 
part,  sent  there  several  other  priests,  one  of 
whom,  Father  de  Lacroix,  was  skilled  in 
architecture,  and  drew  the  plan  of  the 
church  and  house.  The  work  was  begun 
without  delay  and  prosecuted  with  vigor, 
notwithstanding  the  difficulties  of  the  un- 
dertaking, the  scarcity  of  means,  and  the 
limited  number  of  laborers.  This  happy 
beginning  was  made  with  religious  solem- 
nity in  the  spring  of  1818.  The  inhabitants 
of  The  Barrens  were  enthusiastic,  and  most 
generous  with  their  time  and  labor.  Some 
cut  down  trees  and  cleared  away  the  brush- 
wood, others  leveled  the  ground  and  dug 


212  Life  of 

the  foundations,  while  others  again  em- 
ployed themselves  in  sawing  the  timber  or 
planing  the  boards.  A  great  many  brought 
materials,  lumber,  lime,  etc.  Even  the 
women  were  no  less  indefatigable  than  the 
men,  considering  every  burden  light  that 
was  to  help  to  build  the  house  of  God  or 
that  of  his  servants.  Among  these  fervent 
souls,  Mrs.  Hayden  deserves  particular 
mention.  She  was  the  most  wealthy  of 
the  inhabitants  and  a  generous-hearted 
woman,  who  gave  her  own  house  as  a 
lodging  for  the  Missionaries  and  for  the 
worship  of  God.  The  desires  of  all  were 
soon  fulfilled,  for,  in  1820  part  of  the  house 
was  habitable,  and  divine  service  could  be 
performed  in  the  church.  The  latter  was 
blessed  by  Father  Rosati,  (in  virtue  of  the 
honorable  charge  conferred  on  him  by  the 
bishop,)  assisted  by  Fathers  Bogna,  Ac- 
quaroni  and  Dahinen.  Meanwhile  Father 
De  Andreis  rejoiced,  at  St.  Louis,  over  the 
success  of  their  labors,  and  by  his  continual 
prayers  implored  the  blessing  of  Heaven 
upon  their  undertaking.  God  had  ap- 
pointed him  a  special  work,  that  of  forming 
the  spiritual  edifice,  while  others  at  The 
Barrens  were  erecting  the  material  one. 
To  give  a  correct  idea  of  his  labors,  we 
must  mention  that  many  of  the  priests 


Very  Mee.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    213 

wlioiu  Bishop  Dubourg  had  brought  with 
him  from  Europe  wished,  very  soon  after 
their  arrival,  to  enter  the  Congregation  of 
vSt.  Vincent.  They  obtained  the  consent 
of  the  bishop,  and  then  earnestly  entreated 
the  servant  of  God  to  receive  them.  Their 
vocation  was,  most  assuredly,  inspired  by 
Heaven,  since  Father  De  Audreis  and 
Father  Rosati,  both  equally  faithful  to  the 
injuntions  of  their  holy  Founder,  had  never 
attempted  to  induce  any  subject  to  join 
their  community,  no  matter  what  good 
they  might  hope  to  do  among  the  people 
by  his  instrumentality.  They  were  very 
much  opposed  to  those  crafty  suggestions 
which,  in  some  measure,  prevent  or  hinder 
the  inspirations  of  God,  and  which  proceed 
more  from  self-love  than  from  any  senti- 
ment of  humility.  Therefore,  no  matter 
how  much  affection  for  their  own  institute 
might  prompt  them  to  act  otherwise,  the 
Missionaries  never  moved  one  step,  either 
to  gain  proselytes  or  foundations.  They 
did  not  refuse,  however,  to  receive  them 
when  Divine  Providence  disposed  things  in 
their  favor.  In  accordance  with  these  wise 
maxims,  ecclesiastics  who  desired  to  enter 
the  family  of  St.  Vincent,  were  admitted 
only  after  mature  trial  of  their  vocation. 
Bishop  Dnbourg  gave  up  part  of  his  house 


2i4  Life  of 

for  a  seminary,  aiid  the  novitiate  being 
opened,  Father  De  Andreis  proceeded  to 
train,  instruct,  and  edify  them  as  well  as 
would  have  been  done  in  the  most  regular 
house  of  the  Mission  in  Europe. 

The  name  and  country  of  these  candi- 
dates, their  wonderful  progress  in  virtue, 
as  well  as  the  erection  of  the  seminary  at 
The  Barrens  are  amply  described  in  a 
letter  written  by  Father  De  Andreis  to  his 
superior,  the  Vicar-General,  in  Rome,  the 
Very  Rev.  Charles  Sicardi,  fc.  M)  This 
letter  is  dated  December  7th,  1818;  we  will 
here  insert  a  portion  of  it : 

44 At  length  Father  Rosati,  with  all  our 
seminary,  has  removed  from  Bardstown  in 
Kentucky,  to  a  place  about  eighty  miles 
hence,  called  The  Barrens.  There  our 
house  is  in  process  of  erection.  Sufficient 
land  has  been  secured  for  the  support  of 
the  house,  besides  the  tribute  that  these 
good  people  voluntarily  impose  upon  them- 
selves. They  are  the  best  Catholics  in  the 
diocese,  all  Anglo-Americans,  and  honest 
industrious  people.  I  have  not  enjoyed 
the  consolation  of  seeing  Father  Rosati  for 
more  than  a  year,  nor  have  I  any  prospect 
of  being  soon  able  to  do  so ;  for  the  ties  that 
bind  us  both  to  our  respective  duties  are  so 
close,  that  they  will  not  allow  us  to  absent 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    215 

ourselves  under  auy  pretext.  I  have  just 
celebrated  funeral  rites,  with  great  so- 
lemnity, over  the  remains  of  one  of  our 
companions  who  came  from  Europe  with 
us,  a  virtuous  and  able  priest,  about  twenty- 
eight  years  of  age;  he  was  a  canon  of  Porto 
Maurizio,  and  his  name  was  Joseph  Carretti. 
I  attended  him  in  his  long  illness,  which 
was  consumption,  and  he  frequently  men- 
tioned to  me  his  desire  of  joining  our  Mis- 
sionaries. He  died  on  the  feast  of  St. 
Francis  Xavier,  our  great  protector,  at  the 
very  moment  that  I  left  his  bedside  to  re- 
ceive into  the  novitiate  his  worthy  com- 
panion, a  priest  named  Andrew  Ferrari, 
who  was  likewise  from  Porto  Maurizio.*) 
At  the  same  time  two  others  were  received, 


*)  The  compiler  of  this  life  remembers  Fathers 
Carretti  and  Ferrari,  when  in  1816,  prompted  by  the 
ardor  of  faith  they  left  Porto  Maurizio  to  accompany 
Bishop  Dubourg  to  America.  They  both  belonged 
to  very  respectable  families,  and  deservedly  enjoyed, 
in  their  native  place,  the  highest  reputation.  Their 
relations  opposed  their  departure  with  tears,  while 
their  friends  suggested  to  the  former  that  his  weak 
constitution  would  not  be  able  to  undergo  the 
fatigue  of  the  journey,  and  to  the  latter  that  he 
could  do  much  more  good  in  his  own  country.  But 
no  arguments,  however  powerful,  could  change 
their  determination.  Father  Ferrari,  having  be- 
come a  Missionary  of  St.  Vincent,  was  truly  an 
apostolic  man;  he  ended  his  life,  a  victim  of  charity, 
in  assisting  those  who  were  attacked  by  the  yellow 
fever. 


2i6  Life  of 

Rev.  Francis  Xavier  Dahiuen,  a  deacon, 
and  Rev.  Joseph  Tichitoli,  a  sub-deacon. 
Fathers  Ferrari  and  Tichitoli  were  about 
26  years  of  age;  Father  Dahmen  was  twenty 
nine.  They  were  all  excellent  subjects, 
had  postulated  for  more  than  a  year,  and 
after  the  customary  spiritual  retreat  were 
admitted  into  our  novitiate  and  seminary, 
on  the  same  memorable  day,  December 
3rd.  On  the  eve  of  the  Epiphany,  in  the 
following  year,  we  were  joined  by  Rev.  F. 
Cellini,  a  priest  yet  in  the  novitiate,  and 
two  students,  Mr.  F.  Borgna  and  another. 
All  came  from  Italy. 

u  According  to  the  custom  of  the  Ameri- 
can missionaries,  who  give  scripture  names 
to  all  holy  places,  we  have  named  our 
novitiate  or  seminary  "Gethsemane," 
which  in  Hebrew  signifies  oil  press;  for 
we  hope  that  neither  the  press  of  tribula- 
tion, nor  the  oil  of  grace  will  ever  be  want- 
ing to  us  ;  [and  as  Gethsemane  was  for  our 
I/)rd  the  prelude  of  his  passion,  thus  we, 
etc J 

"This  novitiate  consists  of  a  room  about 
fifteen  feet  long  by  twelve  wide  ;  it  stands 
alone  and  is  built  of  brick.  Within  it  is  a 
smaller  apartment,  two  cupboards,  a  small 
altar,  a  pretty  good  little  library,  three 
beds,  separated  one  from  the  other  by  blue 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    217 

curtains,  similar  to  those  used  for  the  uo- 
vices  in  Rome.  Each  novice  has  a  little 
table,  chair,  crucifix,  Rodriguez,  Bible, 
Roman  Catechism,  and  Kempis,  besides  a 
Compendium  of  the  rules  of  the  seminary, 
which  I  have  translated  into  French,  and 
which  contains  all  that  is  most  essential. 

"There  are  many  other  excellent  subjects 
from  various  countries  who  desire  admis- 
sion among  us,  but  our  lodging  is  incon- 
venient even  for  three,  and  for  the  present 
I  see  no  possibility  of  having  any  other. 
Poverty  is  its  only  ornament,  and  fervor 
reigns  therein  to  such  an  extent  that  it  both 
confounds  and  delights  me. 

"We  observe,  even  to  the  least  point,  all 
the  regulations  that  are  customary  in  Rome 
and  elsewhere ;  such  as  rising  at  four 
o'clock,  meditation,  reading,  visits,  chapter, 
colloquial  conferences,  asking  for  penan- 
ces, comnmnications,  strict  silence,  genu- 
flexions on  coining  in  and  going  out,  office 
in  common,  bodily  exercise,  etc.  Every- 
thing, including  the  reading  at  table,  is 
according  to  the  same  form  as  in  Italy.  I 
have  less  need  of  the  bridle  than  the  spur ; 
and  like  a  blind  guard,  I  tell  every  one  to 
be  vigilant,  fearing  that  the  tree  by  being 
transplanted,  may  lose  something  of  its 
vigor  ;  for  in  this  soil  we  must  count  doubly 


2l8 


Life  of 


on  the  excellence  of  the  plant.  However, 
St.  Vincent  is  already  beginning  to  make 
himself  known  and  much  good  is  done." 

Such  were  the  holy  ideas  in  which  Father 
De  Andreis  trained  his  novices,  and  their 
excellence  was  seen  by  the  success  which 
attended  his  efforts.  They  became  truly 
apostolic  men,  who,  following  the  maxims 
and  example  of  their  director,  were  enabled 
to  form  other  worthy  missionaries,  and 
found  houses  with  the  same  good  order, 
thus  propagating  everywhere  the  spirit  of 
St.  Vincent  de  Paul. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Death  of  Father  De  Andreis. — Funeral  honors. — Trans- 
lation of  his  remains  to  The  Barrens.  —  Testimony 
rendered  to  his  merit  and  virtues. 

IN  his  letters  to  Rome,  addressed  to  the 
Vicar  General  of  the  Congregation  of  the 
Mission,  Father  De  Andreis  frequently  ex- 
pressed his  desire  of  being  set  free  from  the 
bonds  of  earth,  in  order  to  rise  and  be 
united  with  his  God,  the  centre  of  all  truth, 
charity  and  eternal  happiness.  He  spoke 
thus,  especially  in  his  last  letter  written 
from  St.  lyouis  to  Rome,  and  dated  Sep- 
tember 4th,  1820.  In  it  he  declares  that  he 
ardently  longs  for  the  day  which  would  con- 
summate the  total  sacrifice  of  his  life.  That 
day  came  soon  enough  —  less  than  forty 
days  after  the  date  of  his  letter. 

The  health  of  Father  De  Andreis  had  al- 
ways been  weak  and  delicate.  It  was  on 
that  account  that  he  had  been  sent  from 
Placentia  to  Rome  in  1806 ;  but  as  he 
labored  indefatieaWy,  .his  sojourn  in  that 
city,  far  from  (ameliorating!,  only  served  to 
impair  his  condition.  He  concealed  his 

(219) 


220  Life  of 

infirmities,  because  he  thirsted  to  suffer  aiid 
labor  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  When 
his  departure  for  America  was  projected, 
his  superiors  evinced  no  little  opposition  to 
the  measure,  being  convinced  that  an  un- 
dertaking of  the  kind  required  stronger 
health  than  his.  The  hardships  which  he 
endured  in  his  journey,  and  those  no  less 
considerable  which  he  had  to  undergo 
during  his  sojourn  in  Upper  Louisiana, 
joined  to  his  continual  and  fatiguing  labor, 
eventually  shortened  his  life.  He  was  well 
aware  of  this,  but  far  from  being  grieved 
at  the  thought,  one  would  almost  have  said 
that  he  awaited  his  last  hour  with  im- 
patience. With  the  most  perfect  confidence 
in  God  he  witnessed  its  approach.  His  last 
illness  though  brief,  was  extremely  painful, 
but  he  bore  it  with  heroic  patience.  He 
received  the  holy  viaticum  with  the  utmost 
fervor,  and  Bishop  Dubourg,  inconsolable 
for  such  a  loss,  shortly  after  gave  him  ex- 
treme unction.  The  few  priests  who  stood 
weeping  around  his  bed  were  no  less 
afflicted,  and  they  ceased  not  to  offer  to 
God  fervent  prayers  for  his  last  journey. 

Rev.  Leo  R.  De  Neckere,  C.  M.,  then  a 
young  priest,  but  afterwards  bishop  of  New 
Orleans,  was  one  of  those  who  watched 
near  the  servant  of  God  during  the  closing 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andrew ,  C.  M.  221 

days  of  his  life,  and  knelt  beside  him  when 
he  was  dying.  Shortly  before  this  sad 
event,  Father  De  Neckere  wrote  to  Father 
Rosati  as  follows  :  "After  having  embraced 
you,  in  the  Sacred  Hearts  of  Jesus  and 
Mary,  I  must  announce,  with  the  deepest 
sorrow,  that  our  dear  superior  seems  very 
near  his  end.  He  is  not  able  himself  to 
write,  and  hence  he  has  commissioned  me 
to  write  for  him.  The  bishop  is,  I  believe, 
writing  also  and  he  will  give  you  details 
much  better  than  I  can.  Since  Sunday 
last  Father  De  Andreis  seems  greatly  im- 
pressed with  the  thought  of  death,  and  he 
asked  for  the  last  Sacraments,  though  the 
physician  and  others  did  not  think  there 
was  much  danger.  His  sufferings  and 
weakness  have  continually  increased  during 
the  week,  and  hence  the  bishop  yesterday 
administered  the  holy  viaticum  to  him. 
Yesterday  our  dear  patient  manifested  a 
great  desire  to  see  you.  I  never  witnessed 
anything  more  edifying  and  devout  than 
his  transports  of  joy  and  overflowings  of 
heart,  when  the  thought  of  death  filled  him 
with  the  hope  of  an  early  union  with  his 
Creator." 

Years  after  his  death  the  older  inhabitants 
of  St.  Louis  used  to  tell  how  Father  De  An- 
dreis, when  he  felt  that  he  was  dying, 


222  Life  of 

begged  those  around  him  to  lift  his  emaci- 
ated body  from  the  bed  and  place  him  on 
the  bare  floor  of  his  poor  abode,  that  as 
Christ  died,  naked  on  the  cross,  so  he 
might  die  ou  the  naked  floor,  to  resemble 
as  nearly  as  possible  in  death  that  divine 
Master  who  had  been  his  model  during  all 
the  actions  of  his  life. 

A  little  before  his  death  Bishop  Dubourg 
proposed  to  him  to  bless  all  his  fellow-mis- 
sionaries, which  he  did,  with  the  same  af- 
fection he  had  always  evinced  towards 
them.  His  last  act  was  to  appoint  Father 
Rosati  (who  had  always  been  his  dearest 
disciple  and  most  effectual  support,)  his 
successor  as  superior  of  the  American  mis- 
sion ;  then  he  expired  with  the  calm  joy  of 
the  saints,  on  the  feast  of  St.  Theresa, 
October  I5th,  1820.  No  sooner  was  the 
sad  event  known  to  the  inhabitants  of  St. 
Louis  than  all,  even  Protestants,  gave 
marks  of  the  deepest  sorrow,  considering 
his  loss  as  a  public  calamity.  Sobs  and 
tears,  far  more  than  words,  expressed  the 
general  affliction,  so  universally  was  he  be- 
loved. During  his  brief  illness  they  not 
only  came  to  enquire  after  him,  but  the 
principal  citizens  of  the  place  waited  upon 
him,  day  and  night,  with  the  most  devoted 
affection  ;  nor  could  they  speak  of  anything 


Very  Rev.  Felix  DC  Andreis,  (7.  M ,    323 

else  but  his  virtues,  particularly  his  meek- 
ness and  charity.  Clothed  in  his  sacerdotal 
robes,  he  was  laid  out  in  a  room  of  the 
seminary,  and  thence  carried  to  the  church, 
where  the  funeral  rites  were  performed 
with  great  solemnity. 

There  happened,  at  this  time,  certain 
wonderful  —  we  might  almost  say  miracu- 
lous facts , — "  Which , ' '  writes  Father  Rosati , 
afterwards  Bishop  of  St.  Louis, "  we  can  re- 
late with  the  utmost  assurance,  since  their 
occurrence  tvas  certain  and  undeniable." 

A  very  pious  widow,  who  had  long  be- 
fore embraced  the  Catholic  faith  in  the  dio- 
cese of  Boston,  and  who  at  the  death  of 
Father  De  Andreis  was  living  at  St.  Louis 
as  Bishop  Dubourg's  housekeeper,  had 
often  felt  interiorly  urged  during  the  last 
illness  of  the  servant  of  God,  to  go  and  beg 
his  blessing  that  she  might  be  cured  of  a 
disease  from  which  she  had  been  suffering 
seven  years,  without  being  able  to  obtain 
from  physicians  any  effectual  relief.  But 
knowing  how  much  he  disliked  to  receive 
women  into  his  house,  the  pious  widow 
could  not  summon  sufficient  courage  to 
enter  his  room  and  recommend  herself  to 
his  prayers,  fearing  that  she  might  there- 
by cause  him  some  displeasure.  However, 
after  his  death  she  entered,  and  approach- 


224  -Z>i/e  Qf 

ing  with  lively  faith  the  feet  of  the  vener- 
ated deceased,  whose  remains  were  laid  out 
in  the  house,  she  began  to  offer  fervent 
prayers  to  God  for  her  cure.  While  so  do- 
ing she  touched  the  feet  of  the  corpse,  and 
immediately  experienced  an  entire  cessation 
of  all  her  pains  ;  her  strength  was  renewed, 
and  she  returned  home  completely  cured 
and  joyful  beyond  measure.  She  spoke  of 
this  cure  to  all,  and  as  her  previous  suffer- 
ings were  well  known,  while  every  one 
witnessed  her  entire  recovery,  no  doubt  was 
entertained  of  the  truth  of  the  event. 

"Bishop  Dubourg  mentioned  it  to  me," 
adds  Bishop  Rosati,  "at  the  very  time  it 
took  place,  as  an  indubitable  fact,  and  six 
or  seven  months  after  when  I  happened  to 
be  at  St.  Louis,  I  saw  the  person  in 
question,  a  Mrs.  Hearn,  and  begged  her  to 
relate  to  me  all  that  I  had  heard  respecting 
her  wonderful  cure.  She  promptly  con- 
sented to  my  request,  and  gave  me  a  pre- 
cise account  of  the  event,  with  all  ita  cir- 
cumstances." 

"No  less  remarkable,"  continues  the 
bishop,  "was  another  occurrence,  witnessed 
by  nearly  all  the  inhabitants  of  St.  Louis, 
and  which  was  regarded  as  a  public  and 
striking  testimony  given  by  Heaven,  of  the 
sanctity  of  Father  De  Andreis.  On  the 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  225 

morning  of  the  i6th  of  October,  precisely 
at  nine  o'clock,  when  the  body  of  the  ser- 
vant of  God  clothed  in  his  sacerdotal  vest- 
ments, was  laid  out  in  the  hall  for  the  con- 
solation of  those  who  wished  to  see  him, 
while  the  day  was  serene  and  the  sun  shin- 
ing with  his  usual  splendor,  a  beautiful 
large  star  suddenly  appeared  in  the  sky, 
exactly  over  the  spot  where  the  body  lay 
exposed.  Its  brilliancy  was  visible  to  every 
one  for  the  space  of  three  hours,  and  it  dis- 
appeared only  at  the  moment  when  the 
body,  having  been  taken  to  the  church,  the 
funeral  ceremonies  around  the  coffin  were 
concluded. 

"All  admired  this  prodigy,  its  position 
ivas  considered  as  an  evident  miracle,  and 
as  it  was  the  general  opinion  that  Father 
De  Andreis  was  a  saint,  every  one  openly 
declared  that  this  beautiful  star  was  the 
soul  of  the  servant  of  God,  already  resplen- 
dent with  celestial  glory.  The  Rev.  Father 
Saulnier,  now  assistant  priest  of  the  cathe- 
dral of  St.  Louis,  and  who  was  then  a  resi- 
dent of  the  place  ;  Mr.  Bovet,  a  native  of 
Canada,  of  exemplary  piety  and  singular 
probity  ;  Mr.  de  Hodiamont  —  all  worthy 
citizens  and  excellent  Catholics  —  can  be 
referred  to  as  witnesses  of  the  wonderful 
fact  we  have  related." 


226  Lije  oj 

There  is  another  event  equally  well 
authenticated,  namely  a  miraculous  cure 
performed  by  Father  De  Andreis  during  his 
residence  in  Kentucky.  The  man  whose 
health  was  restored  by  means  of  the  pray- 
ers of  the  servant  of  God,  afterwards  resided 
at  The  Barrens,  a  few  miles  from  St. 
Mary's  Seminary,  and  Archbishop  Odin  of 
New  Orleans  heard  the  fact  from  his  own 
lips. 

Bishop  Dubourg,  a  man  of  enlightened 
wisdom  and  who  was  highly  capable  of  dis- 
cerning true  and  solid  virtue,  held  the  ser- 
vant of  God  in  the  highest  esteem  and 
would  not  allow  his  remains  to  be  placed  in 
the  common  cemetery.  Remembering  how 
much  Father  De  Andreis  had  loved  the 
Missionaries,  his  companions,  and  how 
much  also  he  was  beloved  by  them  in  re- 
turn, the  bishop  granted  them  the  privilege 
of  possessing  his  body.  Accordingly,  after 
having  celebrated  with  his  entire  clergy  the 
solemn  obsequies  in  the  cathedral  church 
in  St.  IvOiiis,  he  ordered  that  the  venerated 
remains  should  be  conveyed  with  suitable 
pomp  to  the  seminary  of  The  Barrens, 
where  Father  Rosati  was  superior. 

The  bishop  wrote  to  Father  Rosati  as 
follows,  on  October  16,  1820:  uGod  has 
deprived  us  of  your  father,  and  my  saintly 


Very  Rev.  Felix  tie  Andreis,  C.  M.    227 

co-laborer,  my  dear  friend.  What  can  I 
say  to  console  you  for  this  irreparable  loss, 
since  I  am  myself  overwhelmed  with  grief? 
Sicut  Domino  placuit,  ita  factum  est.  Sit 
nomen  Domini  benedicttim.  I  send  you  his 
precious  remains.  They  belong  naturally 
to  you,  but  in  parting  with  them  I  assure 
you  that  I  make  a  sacrifice  for  your  sake. 
Be  pleased  to  inform  your  superiors  of  the 
profound  sorrow  in  which  I  am  plunged. 
Let  this  holy  body  repose  in  a  place  where 
it  can  be  easily  disinterred  when  this  may 
be  necessary.  Bring  the  seminarians  every 
Sunday  evening  to  his  grave,  and  often  call 
the  attention  of  the  people  of  the  parish  to 
the  treasure  they  possess." 

During  this  removal  of  the  body  of  the 
servant  of  God  to  The  Barrens,  eighty 
miles  distant,  it  was  escorted  by  the  most 
distinguished  citizens  of  St.  Louis,  who 
voluntarily  hastened  to  join  the  funeral 
train.  As  the  mournful  procession  pro- 
ceeded on  its  way,  many  Catholics  of  the 
parishes  through  which  it  passed  joined 
the  inhabitants  of  St.  Louis.  They  crossed 
the  river  at  Cahokia,  were  the  coffin  having 
been  taken  to  the  church,  Mass  was  chanted 
and  a  funeral  service  celebrated,  according 
to  the  customary  formalities.  Rev.  Father 
Olivier,  in  his  parish  of  Prairie  du  Rocher, 


228  Life  of 

performed  the  same  charitable  and  religious 
office  for  the  illustrious  deceased.  At  this 
place  the  devout  retiuue  was  increased,  and 
soon  reached  the  parish  of  St.  Genevieve. 
Here  the  holy  priest  was  universally  la- 
mented. The  people  remembered  that  they 
had  seen  him  full  of  life  among  them,  that 
he  had  been  their  zealous  guide  and  in- 
defatigable missionary,  and  all  hastened  to 
pay  him  the  last  tribute  of  their  respect,  by 
assisting  at  the  funeral  service  performed 
over  his  remains  by  their  worthy  pastor, 
Father  Pratte.  Many  of  the  inhabitants 
joined  the  sorrowful  train,  and  accompanied 
the  body  to  the  seminary  of  The  Barrens. 
Father  Rosati,  being  duly  apprised  of  their 
arrival,  with  all  his  clergy  set  out  to  meet 
the  procession  at  the  entrance  of  the 
church,  and  solemnly  received  the  body  ac- 
cording to  the  formalities  prescribed  by  the 
ritual.  His  prayers  were  frequently  inter- 
rupted by  sobs  and  tears,  for  how  could  he 
restrain  his  grief  for  one  who  had  been 
both  his  beloved  master  and  cherished  com- 
panion, a  father  whom  he,  more  than  any 
one  else,  knew  to  be  a  truly  apostolic  man, 
and  on  whose  aid  he  had  so  long  rested  all 
his  earthly  hopes?  On  the  following  day, 
a  solemn  High  Mass  having  been  chanted, 
after  the  recitation  of  the  customary  pray- 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  229 

ers,  the  precious  remains  were  laid  in  a 
tomb  of  brick  work,  behind  the  church. 
Here  they  were  left  until  the  month  of 
September,  1837. 

Meanwhile  the  new  and  handsome  church 
belonging  to  the  seminary  having  been 
completed,  Bishop  Rosati,  who  had  been 
previously  raised  to  the  episcopal  see  of  St. 
Louis,  of  which  he  was  the  first  bishop, 
ordered  that  the  body  of  Father  De  Andreis 
should  be  removed  to  a  more  suitable  rest- 
ing place.  The  intentions  of  the  bishop 
were  announced  to  the  poeple,  and  they 
came  in  crowds  to  the  old  church,  into 
which  the  coffin  was  brought.  The  Office 
for  the  Dead  was  chanted,  the  most  holy 
sacrifice  was  offered  with  great  solemnity, 
and  then  the  devout  procession  moved  on 
to  the  new  church,  were  the  body  was  laid 
in  a  stone  sepulchre,  constructed  by  order 
of  the  bishop.  It  was  placed  on  the  gospel 
side,  in  the  chapel  of  St.  Vincent,  directly 
beneath  the  pavement.  ^  slab,  bearing 
the  following  inscription  in  honor  of  the 
deceased,  was  inserted  in  the  opposite  wall: 

Hie  jacet 

Felix  De  Andreis,  Congregationis  Missionis 

in  America  Primus  Superior  et  Fundator, 

Atque  Diocesis  Neo  Aurelianensis  Vicarius 

Oeneralis ; 


230  Life  of 

Natus  Demontii  in  Italia  Subalpina,  Prid. 

Id.  Decemb.  MDCCLXXVIIL 
ObiitSti  Ludovici  Idib.  Oct.  MDCCCXX. 
Virapostolicisvirtutibus,ingenio,eruditione 

et  eloquentia  maxima  conspicuus. 

Ne  mortuus  a  fratribus  corpore  abesset 

qui  vivus  illis  fuerat  corde  quam  maxime 

conjunctus,  mortales  ejus  exuvias  sancto 

I/udovico  exportatas  et  in  veteri 

caemeterio  primum  tumulatas, 

Fratres  ejus  in  Christo  amantissimi, 

Episcopus  Sancti  Ludovici 

Coeterique  Congregationis  Missionis  sacer- 

dotes  decentiorem  mine  in  locum 

transtulerunt, 
U_  IX  Kal.  Octob.  MDCCCXXXVII.  3 

Bishop  Dubourg  announced  the  death  of 
Father  De  Andreis  to  all  the  clergy  of  his 
diocese  by  the  following  circular  : 

r  UR.  i.  P. 

"Jussu  Revmi.  Episcopi  nostri  mcestissimum 
tibi  nuncium  facio  OBITUS  EEVDI.  ADMODUM 
D.  FELICIS  DE  ANDREIS,  Vicari.i-generalis, 
necnon  Congregationis  Missionis,  in  hoc  Ludo- 
vicensi  provincia  moderatoris,  viri  sanctitate 
seque  ac  doctrina  prsestaniissimi,  qui  Octobris  die 
15,  1820,  post  duiturni  morbi  molestias  admira- 
bili  mansuetudine  toleratas,  sacramentis  munitus 
et  cceleatibus  jam  diliciis  affluens,  annos  natus 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  231 

circiter  duo  et  quadraginta,  meliorem  ad  vitam 
evolavit.  Defecit  heu!  Cleri  nostri  lumen  et 
decus,  evangelii  praeco  potentissimus,  pauperum 
amator,  Ludovisianse  missionis  spes  et  columen! 
Pretiosam  venerandi  sacerdotis  mortem  inexple- 
bili  luctu  prosequitur  Episcopus,  lugent  et  om- 
nium ordinum  homines.  Utinam  tot  gemitibus 
motus  Deus  totius  consolationis,  aliquos  in  nobis 
excitat  tantae  virtutis  haeredes ! 
1  'Ad  obsequia  paratissimus, 

"CAR.  DE  LACEOIX, 
"Revmi.  D.  D.  Episcopi  Ludov.,  Secretarius." 

For  the  benefit  of  readers  not  familiar 
with  the  Latin,  we  will  here  give  a  trans- 
lation of  the  foregoing  circular : 

"By  order  of  our  Right  Rev.  Bishop  I 
hereby  make  to  you  the  most  lamentable 
announcement  of  the  death  of  the  Very 
Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  Vicar-General  of 
this  diocese,  and  superior  of  the  Congre- 
gation of  the  Mission  in  the  province  of 
Louisiana.  He  was  a  man  most  renowned 
for  sanctity  and  for  learning.  He  died  011 
the  1 5th  of  October,  1820,  after  a  long  and 
painful  illness  borne  with  admirable  resig- 
nation. Fortified  by  the  sacraments,  and 
seeming  to  taste  in  advance  celestial  joys, 
he  passed  to  a  better  life,  at  about  the  age 
of  forty-two  years.  Thus  alas !  has  passed 


23?  Life  of 

away  a  light  and  ornament  of  our  clergy, 
a  most  eloquent  preacher  of  the  gospel,  a 
lover  of  the  poor,  the  hope  and  support  of 
our  Louisiana  Mission.  The  bishop  la- 
ments, with  inexpressible  grief,  the  pre- 
cious death  of  this  venerated  priest,  and 
men  of  all  classes  mourn  his  loss.  May 
the  God  of  all  consolation,  moved  by  so 
many  lamentations,  raise  up  among  us 
many  imitators  of  his  great  virtue  ! 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Chas.  De  Lacroix, 
Sec'y  of  the  Bishop  of  Louisiana." 

It  was  also  thought  proper  that  Bishop 
Dubourg  should  send  speedy  information 
to  Rome  of  the  sad  event.  This  he  did  in 
a  letter  of  October  igth,  addressed  to  the 
Vicar-General  of  the  Vincentians.  The 
following  is  a  translation  from  the  French: 
"Very  Reverend  Sir  : — 

"God  has  just  visited  us  with  an  afflic- 
tion which  my  heart  feels  most  keenly, 
and  which  is  also  a  terrible  blow  for  this 
mission.  It  is  the  death  of  Father  De  An- 
dreis,  which  occurred  on  Sunday,  the  i5th 
instant,  the  day  on  which  we  celebrated 
the  feast  of  the  holy  Guardian  Angels,  and 
I  doubt  not  that  the  prayers  said  for  him 
on  that  occasion  were  granted  to  their  full 
extent :  Subvenite  Angell  Dei ct 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M .  233 

jubeas  earn  a  sanctis  Angelis  suscipi,  et  ad 
patriam  Paradisi  perduci.  This  death  has 
plunged,  not  only  the  city  of  St.  Louis  but 
the  whole  diocese,  into  the  deepest  grief, 
for  every  one  considered  him  a  saint.  I 
trust  that  God  will  glorify  him  by  the  testi- 
mony of  miracles,  for  there  exists  already  a 
very  general  readiness  to  believe  in  them, 
a  most  beautiful  star  having  appeared  in 
the  heavens,  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  at 
the  very  moment  of  his  funeral.  A  woman 
of  advanced  age,  employed  in  my  service, 
who  had  been  suffering  for  three  years  was 
immediately,  and  I  trust  effectually,  cured 
of  her  disease.  I  enclose  you  the  account 
in  English  ;  also  the  Latin  circular. 

"This  is  indeed  an  irreparable  loss.  At 
the  moment  of  his  death,  Father  De  An- 
dreis appointed  Rev.  Jos.  Rosati  as  superior 
of  the  Congregation  of  the  Mission  in  Ame- 
rica. He  is  the  only  one  who  can  fill  such 
a  post,  for  all  the  others  are  too  young.  It 
is  very  necessary,  sir,  that  you  should  send 
us  two  subjects  of  mature  age,  of  talent 
and  solid  virtue,  in  order  that  the  precious 
foundation  of  the  company  in  Louisiana 
may  be  permanently  secured.  If  Father 
Rosati  fail  us,  all  will  go  to  ruin.  He  also 
will,  without  doubt,  entreat  you  to  do  this; 
allow  me  to  unite  my  most  earnest  prayer 


234  Life  of 

with  his.  Besides  the  seminary  which  I 
,  have  given  to  the  Congregation,  I  intend 
to  make  use  of  it  for  the  establishment  of 
another  house  for  the  missions,  in  one  of 
the  most  populous  localities  of  Lower 
Louisiana.  The  good  that  these  two  estab- 
lishments will  procure  is  incalculable. 
You  have  been  already  informed,  Re- 
verend sir,  that  you  have  here  six  novices, 
nearly  all  priests,  of  whom  the  greater 
number  are  remarkable  for  talent  and 
virtue. 

"I  have  the  honor  to  remain,  etc. 

"Louis  William  Dubourg, 

* 'Bishop  of  Louisiana. 
f"St.  Lonis,  Mo.,  U.  S.  of  America, 

Oct.  19,  i820.'O 

We  will  subjoin  to  the  above  letter  an 
extract  from  the  Missouri  Gazette.  It  is 
as  follows  : 

UST.  Louis,  Mo.,  October  18,  1820. 

"REGISTER  OF  DEATHS. 
"Died  in  this  city  on  the  i5th  of  the 
present  month,  after  a  painful  illness,  in 
the  forty-second  year  of  his  age,  the  Rev. 
Felix  De  Andreis,  Vicar-General  of  Loui- 
siana, and  Superior  of  the  Congregation  of 
the  Mission  in  America.  This  venerated 
priest  was  born  in  Piedmont,  Italy,  of  a 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  235 

respectable  and  wealthy  family.  He  em- 
braced the  ecclesiastical  career  at  an  early 
period  of  his  life.  His  youth  was  dis- 
tinguished by  perfect  innocence  and  con- 
tinual progress  in  virtue,  thereby  foretelling 
what  he  was  to  be  in  after  years,  a  man  of 
God,  an  apostle.  The  comforts  of  home 
and  the  delights  of  family  affection  were 
the  first  ties  that  the  voice  of  heaven  called 
upon  him  to  seVer,  in  order  to  devote  him- 
self to  the  lowly  and  toilsome  duties  of  the 
country  missions,  and  the  practice  of  the 
evangelical  counsels  of  poverty  and  obedi- 
ence, in  the  truly  apostolic  Congregation 
founded  by  St.  Vincent,  about  two  hun- 
dred years  ago.  The  different  provinces 
of  Italy  were,  by  turns,  the  theatre  of  his 
zeal,  and  the  stirring  effusions  of  his  almost 
divine  eloquence,  brought  to  his  feet 
thousands  of  miserable  sinners,  who  were 
comforted  and  relieved  by  his  tender  chari- 
ty. Being  called  to  Rome,  as  the  place 
most  suited  to  his  noble  talents  and  exten- 
sive learning,  he  became,  in  a  short  time, 
the  oracle  of  this  capital  of  the  Christian 
world,  and  excited  the  admiration  of  the 
most  eminent  prelates.  But  his  humility 
was  alarmed  at  the  esteem  he  enjoyed,  and 
which  opened  for  him  a  path  to  the  highest 
honors ;  the  city  of  Rome  was  too  limited 


236  Life  of 

for  his  ardent  zeal,  and  he  sought  a  field 
more  vast  and  more  abandoned.  He  had 
long  solicited  the  favor  of  being  sent  to  a 
foreign  mission.  \  China  was  the  first  object 
of  his  desires,  but  Divine  Providence 
having  frustrated  his  hopes  in  that  quarter, 
directed  them  towards  America.  He  had 
many  obstacles  to  surmount  in  order  to 
attain  his  end  ;  his  superiors,  supported  by 
the  most  illustrious  dignitaries  of  Rome, 
strongly  opposed  his  departure.  It  was  re- 
presented to  the  Sovereign  Pontiff  that  his 
presence  in  Rome  was  absolutely  necessary, 
and  that  his  removal  would  be  a  public 
calamity.  It  even  appears  that  the  Holy 
Father  was  somewhat  influenced  by  these 
arguments,  but  he  finally  consented  to  the 
desires  of  the  humble  priest,  and  imposed 
silence  on  all  who  opposed  his  departure. 
The  holy  man,  therefore,  left  Italy  for 
America  in  1816,  being  accompanied  by 
several  members  of  his  Congregation, 
of  whom  he  was,  in  due  form,  ap- 
pointed superior;  and  after  residing  for 
about  a  year  in  Kentucky,  where  he  is  still 
remembered  with  esteem  and  affection,  he 
arrived  in  this  city  with  our  excellent 
bishop,  who,  some  time  before  had  made 
him  his  Vicar-General  and  the  soul  of  his 
councils.  The  three  years  of  his  residence 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  237 

among  us  were  entirely  devoted  to  the  most 
active  and  charitable  offices  of  his  sacred 
ministry,  and  were  enough  to  immortalize 
his  gentle  memory  in  the  hearts  of  all 
classes  of  our  citizens.  His  fervent  piety, 
unwearied  solicitude  for  the  salvation  of 
souls,  his  tender  and  ingenious  charity  to- 
wards the  poor,  will  long  be  favorite  topics; 
while  his  pathetic  and  frequent  exhorta- 
tions from  the  pulpit  will  for  ever  remain 
engraved  on  the  hearts  of  his  hearers,  to 
serve  as  a  reproof  to  the  negligent  and  ani- 
mate the  good  to  perseverence.  His  last 
moments  were  those  of  the  just  man,  who 
every  day  of  his  life  studies  the  great  lesson 
of  dying  a  holy  death.  The  announcement 
of  his  approaching  dissolution  not  only 
found  him  resigned  and  contented,  but  it 
further  excited  him  to  raptures  of  joy.  All 
the  glory  of  heaven  shone  upon  his  pallid 
countenance.  His  last  words  were  in  favor 
of  his  spiritual  children,  whom  he  recom- 
mended to  the  especial  care  of  the  bishop. 
His  death  is  universally  lamented.  Every 
one  seems  to  have  lost  in  him  a  true  father, 
and  the  weeping  crowd  that  accompanied 
his  final  obsequies  proclaimed  him  the  be- 
loved of  God  and  man,  one  whose  memory 
will  be  forever  blessed.  His  mortal  remains 
will  be  conveyed  by  pious  escort  to  the 


238  Life  of 

seminary  of  The  Barrens  in  Perry  County, 
which  is  directed  by  the  priests  of  his  Con- 
gregation." 

The  saintly  Mother  Duchesne,  first  superi- 
or of  the  Sacred  Heart  Nuns  in  America, 
enjoyed,  for  a  short  time  preceding  his 
death,  the  happiness  of  having  Father  De 
Andreis  for  her  confessor  and  spiritual  direc- 
tor. Until  she  met  him,  she  seemed  to  have 
found  no  one  in  this  country  who  properly 
understood  her,  or  who  could  satisfy  her  in 
the  direction  of  her  conscience.  In  one  of 
her  letters  she  wrote:  "I  have  no  longer  any 
consolations;  my  heart  longs  for  some  sup- 
port, and  finds  none  but  in  God.  In  my 
aqxiety  for  spiritual  aid  I  thought  of  Mgr. 
Flaget,  the  bishop  of  Bardstown,  but  he 
never  came;  and  then  again,  of  the  holy 
Father  De  Andreis,  the  provincial  of  the 
Lazarists,  but  he  is  ill.  So  I  must  remain 
with  God  alone,  my  soul  never  having  been 
able  to  open  itself  to  any  one  since  I  left 
France."  (Life  of  Mother  Duchesne,  p. 198.) 

The  pastor  of  Florissant,  Mo.,  a  few  miles 
from  St.  Louis,  was  also  the  chaplain  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  community ,  which  Mother  Du- 
chesne had  established  there.  As  this  priest 
was  obliged  to  be  absent  for  a  considerable 
time  during  1819,  Father  De  Andreis  was* 
sent  by  the  bishop  to  take  his  place,  to  the 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  239 

great  delight  of  Mother  Duchesne  and  her 
companions.  His  short  residence  at  Floris- 
sant was  yet  long  enough  to  have  been  full 
of  the  greatest  consolation  and  benefit  to 
these  heroic  religious  who,  in  the  midst  of 
poverty  and  suffering,  practiced  the  most 
heroic  virtues  and  laid,  deep  and  strong,  the 
first  foundation  of  the  Sacred  Heart  Society 
in  the  New  World.  Madam  Duchesne  was 
herself  dangerously  ill  during  the  last  sick- 
ness of  Father  De  Andreis.  As  soon  as  she 
was  able,  she  wrote  to  her  superiors  in 
France,  saying:  "The  bishop,  and  we  too, 
have  suffered  a  great  loss,  that  of  Father  De 
Andreis,  the  superior  of  the  Lazarists  and 
Vicar  General.  He  was  great,  both  in  sanctity 
and  learning,  and  with  singular  gifts  for  the 
care  of  souls.  A  malignant  fever  carried  him 
off  just  as  I  was  getting  better.  All  the  popu- 
lation of  St.  Louis,  Protestants  and  Jews  in- 
cluded, followed  him  to  the  grave,  with  the 
most  sincere  grief.  He  is  supposed  to  have 
already  wrought  several  miracles."  (Idem, 
p.  208.) 

As  Mother  Duchesne  is  a  candidate  for 
beatification,  the  evidence  of  her  holy  life 
and  heroic  virtues  being  now  under  exami- 
nation by  the  Congregation  of  Rites  in  Rome, 
her  testimony  to  the  virtues  of  her  holy  direc- 
tor is  of  more  than  ordinary  importance. 


240  Life  of 

Till  the  day  of  her  death,  she  kept,  as  a 
most  cherished  relic,  a  copy  of  the  Imita- 
tion of  Christ,  which  had  been  used  by 
Father  De  Andreis. 

When  the  news  of  the  death  of  Father 
De  Andreis  was  announced  to  his  friends 
at  a  distance  from  St.  Louis,  many  of  them 
expressed  by  letter  their  great  veneration 
for  him,  and  their  deep  grief  over  his  un- 
timely departure.  From  these  letters  we 
will  give  just  a  few  selections  here.  Rev. 
Father  Portier,  afterwards  first  Bishop  of 
Mobile,  wrote  from  New  Orleans  to  Father 
Rosati  in  the  following  terms,  on  Decem- 
ber ad,  1820: — 

"We  realize,  my  dear  friend,  the  great 
loss  which  you,  and  all  of  us,  have  sus- 
tained in  the  death  of  our  saintly  Father  De 
Andreis.  It  is  a  general  affliction  for  all 
the  Missionaries,  but  it  is  a  very  special 
one  to  me,  who  had  hoped  to  find,  for  a 
long  time  to  come,  in  his  lights  and  his 
sanctity  the  direction  which  my  conscience 
demands  and  will  continue  to  demand.  But 
what  consoles  me  is,  that  the  saint  who  is 
dead  will  become  our  protector,  by  his 
merits  and  his  prayers,  and  that  the 
memory  of  his  holy  example  will  long  sur- 
vive amongst  us,  to  reanimate  us  in  the 
trials  of  our  career.  We  celebrated  here 
three  solemn  Masses  for  the  repose  of  his 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  241 

soul,  but  I  do  not  doubt  that  it  found  re- 
pose in  the  bosom  of  God,  at  the  very  in- 
stant when  it  was  separated  from  his 
body."  / 

Bishop  David,  co-adjutor  of  the  diocese 
of  Bardstown,  held  Father  De  Andreis  in 
the  highest  veneration.  When  the  news 
of  the  death  of  the  servant  of  God  reached 
him,  he  wrote  from  the  seminary  of  Bards- 
town  to  Father  Rosati,  expressing  his  great 
sorrow.  His  letter  is  dated  December  12, 
1820.  "I  share  with  you  as  far  as  pos- 
sible," he  wrote,  "the  great  loss  which  has 
lately  befallen  you.  I  knew  the  merit  of 
Father  De  Andreis  well  enough  to  ap- 
preciate him.  His  death  is  not  only  a  loss 
to  you,  but  to  the  diocese  of  Louisiana  and 
to  the  entire  Church.  But  what  should 
console  us  all  is  the  assurance  we  have, 
that  if  a  faithful  priest  has  been  taken  from 
us,  an  intercessor  has  been  given  us  in 
heaven,  who  will  be  not  less  useful  to  us 
by  the  graces  he  will  obtain  for  us,  than  he 
would  have  been  by  the  exercise  of  his 
ministry  amongst  us,  if  his  life  had  been 
prolonged. ' ' 

And  the  saintly  Bishop  Flaget,  who 
knew  Father  De  Andreis  so  well  and  loved 
him  so  tenderly,  was  overcome  by  grief 
when  he  heard  of  the  death  of  his  dear 


242  Life  of 

friend.  The  admiration  of  these  two  holy 
men  for  each  other  was  mutual.  Mother 
Duchesne  said  of  them:  "They  are  both 
universally  looked  upon  as  saints,  and  God 
visibly  blesses  their  ministry."  During 
their  residence  together  in  the  seminary  at 
Bardstown,  for  nearly  a  year,  they  came  to 
know  each  other  intimately.  The  letters 
of  Father  De  Andreis,  given  in  preceding 
pages,  sufficiently  testify  his  great  esteem 
for  the  bishop,  while  the  following  words 
of  Bishop  Flaget,  written  to  Father  Rosati, 
November  6,  1820,  are  valuable  evidence 
to  the  sanctity  of  the  great  priest  whose  life 
we  are  writing. 

"I  feel  most  deeply,"  says  Bishop  Flaget, 
"the  irreparable  loss  you  have  sustained  by 
the  death  of  the  wise,  the  amiable,  the 
saintly  Father  De  Andreis.  I  knew  and 
appreciated  his  great  merits,  though  I  was 
not  able  to  imitate  his  virtues.  Heaven 
grant  that  he  may  not  rise  up  some  day  to 
condemn  my  laxity  and  lukewarmness. 
The  Bishop  Mauricastro,  my  co-adjiltor,  as 
well  as  those  here  who  knew  the  virtuous 
Missionary,  join  with  me  in  my  sorrow  and 
desire  me  to  express  to  you  their  sincere 
condolence.  It  was  the  afternoon  of  All 
Saints  Day,  when  we  were  about  to  cele- 
brate the  second  vespers  of  the  feast  and  the 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  243 

first  vespers  of  All  Souls,  that  the  afflicting 
news  reached  us ;  and,  as  we  recalled  the 
simplicity,  the  kindness,  the  piety  and  fer- 
vour of  the  holy  priest,  we  were  puzzled  to 
decide  whether  we  should  invoke  him  as  a 
saint  or  pray  for  the  repose  of  his  soul. 
But,  however  this  may  be,  he  will  certainly 
see  God  for  all  eternity ;  and  no  matter 
how  valuable  he  may  have  been  to  us  dur- 
ing this  life,  he  will  be  still  more  so  now, 
after  his  happy  death." 


CHAPTER  IX. 
Interior  Life  of  Father  De  Andreis. 

WE  mean  by  interior  life  that  constant 
duty  to  which  'the  servant  of  God  so 
thoroughly  applied  himself  to  remove  from 
his  soul  every  imperfection,  for  the  one  ob- 
ject of  becoming  completely  agreeable  to 
God.  This  holy  exercise  he  called  his  in- 
terior life,  because  he  labored  with  pious 
ingenuity  to  conceal  it  from  the  eyes  of 
others.  He  had  himself  traced  out  its 
plan  shortly  after  his  arrival  in  Rome.  The 
following  were  the  rules  which  he  proposed 
to  observe  faithfully  the  whole  time  of  his 
life: 

"i.  In  the  morning,  as  soon  as  I  awake, 
I  will  excite  myself  to  holy  joy  at  the 
thought  that  God  grants  me  another  day  to 
do  penance  for  my  sins  and  merit  heaven, 
drawing  hence  many  devout  affections. 

14 2.  While  celebrating  Mass,  studying, 
or  taking  my  meals,  I  will  conduct  myself 
in  a  spirit  of  sacrifice,  universal  abnegation 
and  entire  submission  to  God,  as  if  I  were 
in  the  very  act  of  offering  him  a  perfect 
holocaust. 

(244) 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  245 


u. 


'3.  On  those  days  in  which  I  have  to 
undergo  the  greatest  humiliations,  contempt 
and  suffering,  I  will  exult  interiorly  with 
transports  of  holy  joy,  striving  to  excite 
them  by  motives  of  pure  love. 

"4.  But,  when  everything  has  gone  on 
smoothly,  I  will  humble  myself  and  strive 
to  awaken  within  my  heart  feelings  of  sor- 
row; this  also  through  motives  of  pure  love. 
To  this  interior  exercise  I  will  add  the  fol- 
lowing regulations  respecting  my  exterior 
conduct. 

"5.  I  must  endeavor,  on  every  occasion, 
to  make  myself  all  unto  all,  seeking,  with- 
out waiting  to  be  asked,  to  console,  assist 
and  serve  others,  always  acting  and  speak- 
ing in  such  a  way  that  all  this  may  proceed 
from  a  solid  foundation  of  humility,  charity 
and  meekness :  disregarding,  in  every  cir- 
cumstance, all  repugnance,  self-love,  or 
coldness  ;  waiting  until  I  am  alone,  to  sub- 
due any  interior  trouble  and  revolt  that  this 
manner  of  acting  may  occasion  me.  I  must 
do  this  the  more  earnestly,  as  it  is  what 
God  requires  of  me.  It  shall  be  the  object 
of  the  present  retreat,  and  the  end  of  all  my 
meditations,  examinations,  reading,  and 
other  spiritual  exercises.  I  will,  for  this 
purpose,  read  attentively  the  life  and  works 
of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  and  of  St.  Francis 
de  Sales. 


246  Life  oj 

"It  cannot  be  denied  that  the  exercise 
now  proposed  will  require  stronger  virtue 
than  that  which  I  have  hitherto,  though 
imperfectly,  practised.  What  virtue  I  pos- 
sessed, was  comprised  in  silence  and  in- 
action, in  refraining  from  following  the  im- 
pulse of  my  passions,  in  practices  of  a 
merely  negative  nature  such  as  to  avoid 
bringing  myself  forward,  to  refrain  from 
excusing  myself,  from  complaining,  and 
many  other  similar  acts,  the  minute  detail 
of  which  would  be  too  lengthy.  Now  that 
something  more  positive  is  proposed,  I  shall 
have  to  fight  continually,  and  shall  never 
be  able  to  flatter  myself  that  I  have  ob- 
tained the  state  of  pure  love,  if  I  do  not  be- 
gin from  this  point ;  to  expect  it  by  any 
other  means  would  be  mere  rashness. 

"I  acknowledge  that  too  frequently  I 
have  been  guilty  of  this  rashness,  from 
neglecting  to  follow  the  advice  of  our 
Divine  Redeemer :  Recumbe  prius  in  novis- 
simo  loco,  and  go  not  higher  until  it  be  said 
to  thee :  ascende  superius.  I  blush  for 
having,  too  often,  been  presumptuous 
enough  to  aspire  to  a  kiss  from  the  divine 
lips ;  namely  to  the  state  of  pure  love, 
whereas  I  have  not,  as  yet,  sufficiently 
practiced  the  kissing  of  the  feet ;  namely, 
the  virtues  of  humility  and  affability.  I 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M .  247 

ask  pardon  for  my  presumption,  and  will 
devote  myself  to  this  practice,  acknowledg- 
ing that  the  repulses  which  I  have  received 
are  very  well  deserved.  He  who  wishes  to 
mount  higher,  deserves  to  be  sent  back  to 
the  lowest  seat,  and  I  should  indeed  have 
known  this  after  reading  so  many  lives  and 
words  of  the  saints.  I  will  then  learn  to 
humble  myself,  and  never  think  that  I  am 
too  much  lowered.  I  will  endeavor  to 
,  parry  the  specious  arguments  of  self-love 
by  this  golden  advice  of  St.  Francis  de 
Sales  'Excuse  and  bear  with  thy  neighbor, 
with  much  meekness  of  heart ;  do  not  phi- 
losophize on  the  contradictions  thou  mayest 
meet  with  ;  look  not  at  them  but  on  God, 
in  all  things,  without  any  expectation ; 
and  acquiesce  with  simplicity  in  all  his  de- 
signs.' 1 

Father  De  Andreis  frequently  examined 
himself  on  this  rule  of  life,  and,  as  he  per- 
ceived that  he  did  not  always  follow  it  ex- 
actly, he  formed  new  and  vigorous  resolu- 
tions of  putting  it  more  perfectly  into  prac- 
tice. On  February  24th,  1808,  he  took  the 
following  determination : 

"This  morning  a  faint  glimmer  of  light 
pierced  the  thick  darkness  and  anguish  of 
mind  which  had  oppressed  me.  It  revealed 
to  me,  in  my  conduct,  an  excessive  tender- 


248  Life  of 

ness  of  self,  which,  almost  imperceptibly 
gaining  ground,  makes  me  forget,  under 
various  artful  pretexts,  the  holy  practices 
of  meekness,  mortification  and  humility, 
and  is  in  a  fair  way  of  reducing  me  to  a 
merely  animal  life.  I  strive  to  avoid,  as 
much  as  possible,  suffering  of  any  kind.  I 
yield  to  weariness,  and  grow  angry,  at  least 
interiorly,  at  the  smallest  offence  that  I 
seem  to  receive.  Without  being  aware  of 
it,  I  have  nourished  a  certain  amount  of 
self-esteem.  Meditation  and  examination 
of  conscience  have  become  a  mere  exercise 
of  the  mind  ;  and  hence  it  is  that  I  am  so 
molested  by  scruples  and  interior  pains.  I 
pray  to  be  freed  from  them,  but  my  prayer 
is  not  heard.  I  therefore  acknowledge  this 
to  be  an  admirable  arrangement  of  the  love 
of  Divine  Providence,  who  permits  me  to 
remain  in  these  and  similar  infirmities,  that 
they  may  serve  to  counterbalance  my  pride, 
which  otherwise  would  grow  to  a  frightful 
extent ;  and,  though  it  seems  to  me  that  I 
refer  all  to  God,  I  unconsciously  and  too 
frequently,  become  vain  in  prosperity,  and 
let  this  be  seen  in  my  intercourse  with 
others.  It  is  true  that  Our  Lord  might  re- 
medy this  evil  in  some  other  way,  but  who 
am  I  to  dare  prescribe  laws  to  the  Al- 
mighty? May  his  most  holy  will  be  done 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  249 

in  all  and  everywhere.  I  therefore  resolve 
to  be  more  vigilant  and  faithful,  remember- 
ing :  Tantum  pro  fides,  quantum  tibi  ipsi 
vim  intuleris . ' '  (Kempis . ) 

"I  copied  to-dajr,  March  i5th,  1808,  a 
most  useful  passage  from  the  Life  of  Father 
Peter  Consolini,  a  beloved  disciple  and  per- 
fect imitator  of  Saint  Philip  Neri.  I  fail 
very  often  in  one  of  his  fundamental  max- 
ims which  is  this  :  'True  humility  teaches 
us  to  avoid  as  much  as  possible,  all  scien- 
tific or  spiritual  conversations,  because  such 
topics  generally  increase  our  vanity  and 
raise  us  in  the  esteem  of  others.  Our  self- 
love  feeds  on  this,  and  though  some  may 
say,  that  in  order  to  benefit  our  neighbor 
we  should  discourse  on  spiritual  things,  it 
may  be  replied  that  it  is  at  the  foot  of  the 
crucifix,  by  means  of  prayer,  tears,  and 
penance,  not  with  fine  words,  that  we  can 
do  good  to  the  soul  of  our  neighbor.'  And 
this  he  said  especially  for  the  young.  Any 
one  who  is  truly  humble,  will  speak  little 
of  himself  or  of  anything  that  might  gain 
him  public  esteem. 

"In  the  present  retreat  of  1808,  I  have 
by  the  grace  of  God  and  with  much  trouble 
discovered  in  the  hidden  recesses  of  my 
heart,  lurking  beneath  a  thousand  folds  of 
plausible  reasoning,  a  secret  spirit  of  am- 


250  Life  of 

bition,  which  tries  to  gain  the  ascendancy 
and  very  often  makes  me  utter  words  which 
are  calculated  to  draw  upon  me  esteem  and 
consideration.  It  also  causes  me  to  aspire 
after  distinctions,  and  makes  me  feel  dis- 
turbed when  I  am  not  gratified.  In  spite 
of  my  full  conviction  that  whatever  good  I 
have  is  entirely  the  gift  of  God,  and  that 
of  myself  I  am  but  a  miserable  wretch  un- 
worthy of  anything  but  contempt,  still  I 
wish  to  be  thought  much  of  and  am  sad  if 
I  do  not  obtain  what  I  desire  !  0  miseria ! 

0  praesumptio  nequissima  unde  creata  es! 
'Sunt  multafusis  illita}  quae  luce  pur gentur 
tua:  tu  vera  lux  celestium  vultu  sereno  illu- 
mina. '    Hymn  Laud.  fer.  IV. 

"Besides  this,  I  have  noticed  several 
times  that,  when  an  opportunity  of  per- 
forming an  act  of  humility  presents  itself, 

1  feel  that  I  am  deprived  of  the  courage 
that  I  need  in  order  to  overcome  myself. 
It  appears  as  if  all  would  be  lost  were  I  to 
perform  that  act ;  so  that  I  not  only  abstain 
from  it,  but  even  sometimes  yield  to  the 
opposite  vice.    I  have,  however,  found  two 
reasons  for  my  want  of  fidelity  in  practising 
the  holy  resolutions  which  I  took  in  my 
former  retreats. 

"The  first  is  want  of  light  in  the  under- 
standing to  discover  the  subterfuges  of 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  251 

pride  ;  the  second,  want  of  fortitude  in  the 
will,  to  overcome  my  repugnances.  Full 
of  confidence  in  God,  I  now  feel  inspired  to 
resolve  upon  the  ten  following  articles  : 

ui.  To  show  great  respect,  both  in  word 
and  action,  towards  every  one,  according  to 
his  position. 

' '  2 .  To  humble  myself  sincerely  in  every- 
thing, and  rejoice  when  I  see  myself 
despised  by  others. 

4 '3.  To  approve  of  everything  in  our 
Lord,  praise  every  one,  especially  the  ab- 
sent, and  be  sincerely  benevolent  and  kind 
to  all. 

"4.  To  forget  myself  and  be  silent  on  all 
things  that  concern  me  ;  however,  if  neces- 
sary, I  will  speak  of  them  as  matters  of  no 
consequence  and  not  worth  mentioning. 

"5.  To  be  sincerely  compassionate  and 
merciful  towards  others ;  for  true  justice 
shows  compassion,  but  false  justice  only  in- 
dignation. 

4 '6.  Ever  to  be  rigid  and  austere  towards 
myself. 

"7.  To  excuse  others,  and  never  accuse 
them  but  in  cases  where  prudence  requires 
that  superiors  should  know  their  faults  in 
order  to  admonish  them. 

"8.  Always  to  accuse,  but  never  to  ex- 
cuse myself,  unless  my  conscience  tells  me 


252  Life  oj 

that  it  is  necessary,  in  order  to  remove  a 
cause  of  scandal ;  and  then  I  will  do  it 
with  moderation. 

"9.  Should  I  happen  to  experience  great 
reluctance  in  the  practice  of  any  of  these 
acts,  I  will  have  recourse  to  God,  and  con- 
tinue to  pray  and  supplicate  until  I  become 
entirely  victorious. 

"10.  In  order  that  these  resolutions  may 
never  escape  my  memory,  I  will  frequently 
meditate  upon  them,  especially  when  I  do 
not  rise  at  the  usual  hour,  or  for  any  other 
reason  I  make  my  meditation  privately. 
These  ten  points  shall  then  be  the  subject 
on  which  I  will  meditate. 

"I  should  frequently  consider  that  man's 
esteem  is  nothing ;  that  if  it  were  some- 
thing, I  do  not  deserve  it ;  and  even  should 
I  deserve  it,  I  ought  to  renounce  it  for  God. 
For  unless  I  do  so,  whatever  good  I  may 
effect,  being  tainted  with  such  venom,  my 
unbridled  pride  would  snatch  it  out  of  my 
hands." 

"To  overcome  this  pride,"  adds  the  ser- 
vant of  God  in  another  place,  UI  must  be 
well  convinced  that  those  who  blame  me, 
rather  flatter  me  because  they  do  not  know 
the  whole  extent  of  my  malice ;  they  are 
perhaps  mistaken  with  regard  to  some 
things  which  they  lay  to  my  charge,  but  if 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  253 

they  knew  liow  many  and  how  much  worse 
things  there  are  within  me ;  if  they  knew 
that  in  spite  of  so  many  lights  and  graces, 
I  still  remain  in  the  midst  of  my  infidelities, 
they  could  not  do  otherwise  than  consider 
me  as  a  monster  of  ingratitude,  as  one  un- 
worthy to  live  in  the  house  of  God  in  the 
midst  of  his  servants,  and  they  would  even 
do  me  a  favor  by  expelling  me  from  it  as  I 
deserve  ;  because  a  raven  should  not  dwell 
with  doves,  nor  a  wretched  ass  among 
steeds  richly  caparisoned.  Oh  !  how  great 
is  my  misery.  The  more  abundant  the 
talents  and  gifts  that  a  person  receives  from 
God,  the  greater  the  difficulty  which  he 
finds  in  bridling  his  self-love,  which  im- 
putes these  heavenly  presents  to  itself,  ap- 
propriates them  and  even  makes  of  them  a 
bulwark,  wherein  it  fortifies  itself  and  holds 
out  against  every  attack.  If  it  be  van- 
quished on  one  side,  it  defends  itself  on  the 
other ;  if  it  cannot  conquer  in  one  way,  it 
tries  new  artifices,  and,  making  trophies  of 
its  defeats,  endeavors  to  convert  into  gains 
its  very  losses  themselves,  determined  not 
to  die  until  it  compels  the  soul  to  bend  to 
its  will ;  or,  at  least  it  continues  to  weary 
and  harass  her  in  such  a  way  as  to  leave 
her  completely  worn  out  and  enervated. 
How  much,  then,  do  we  not  need  patience 
and  the  mercy  of  God." 


254 


Life  of 


It  was  in  these  trials  or  rather  conflicts 
that  the  whole  interior  life  of  the  servant 
of  God  consisted.  It  was  completely  veiled 
from  the  eye  of  man,  and  we  should  know 
nothing  of  it,  had  he  not,  for  his  own 
guidance,  described  some  of  the  divine 
operations  which  God  performed  in  his 
soul,  to  detach  him  from  the  smallest  affec- 
tion to  sin,  and  thus  lead  him  through  the 
most  painful  trials,  to  the  pure  love  of  his 
Creator. 


CHAPTER  X. 
Theological  Virtues  practised  by  Father  De  Andreis. 

The  reader  has  been  able  to  form  some 
idea  of  the  sanctity  of  the  servant  of  God, 
both  from  the  letters  we  have  transcribed, 
and  the  testimony  of  enlightened  priests, 
who  knew  him  intimately  and  for  a  con- 
siderable length  of  time.  But,  as  we  wish 
to  give  here  a  slight  sketch  of  his  virtues, 
we  will  add  that  our  holy  missionary  was 
endowed,  in  the  highest  degree,  with  all 
the  theological  and  moral  virtues,  the  as- 
semblage of  which  constitutes  those  great 
saints  who  have  so  brightly  adorned  the 
Church  of  God. 

With  regard  to  faith,  he  possessed  it  in 
so  high  a  degree,  and  had  received  from 
God  so  much  light,  that  he  would  willingly 
have  given  his  life  to  enkindle  it  in  the 
hearts  of  those  who  were,  unfortunately,  in 
doubt,  or  who  were  ignorant  of  the  divine 
mysteries.  He  did  not  think  himself 
worthy  of  martyrdom,  but  his  heart  burned 
with  the  desire  of  suffering  it,  by  dying  for 

(255) 


256  Life  oj 

the  defence  of  religion  in  some  obscure  cor- 
ner of  the  world.  With  what  zeal  did  we 
not  see  him,  in  Rome,  preach  the  truths  of 
faith  in  those  unhappy  days,  when  the 
sovereign  pontiff,  Pius  VII.,  having  been 
expelled  from  his  Apostolic  see,  the  holy 
city  witnessed  within  her  walls  the  ravages 
of  error,  heresy  and  unbelief,  propagated 
by  wicked  men  who,  by  their  words  as  well 
as  by  their  infamous  writings,  professed  to 
believe  nothing  themselves  and  sought  only 
to  pervert  others.  Father  De  Andreis  im- 
mediately endeavored  to  counteract  their 
efforts  by  invincible  arguments,  whereby 
he  cautioned  his  auditors  against  these 
erroneous  doctrines  ;  and  he  composed  an 
excellent  catechism,  in  which  the  truths  of 
faith  were  clearly  demonstrated.  For  no 
other  end  than  the  greater  extension  of  the 
faith,  Father  De  Andreis  entirely  re- 
nounced his  country,  his  parents,  his 
favorite  studies,  all  his  holy  employments, 
even  Rome  itself,  so  dear  to  his  heart,  and 
started  for  North  America  where  he  knew 
that  thousands  of  his  fellow  creatures  were 
deprived  of  the  light  of  the  gospel,  and 
consequently  immersed  in  the  shadows  of 
death.  And  how  great  was  the  zeal  which 
devoured  him,  when  at  length,  in  the  midst 
of  innumerable  dangers,  he  arrived  among 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  257 

those  savage  nations,  and  saw  them  with 
his  own  eyes,  living  almost  like  the  animals 
of  their  native  forests.  We  may  truly  say, 
that  his  heart  throbbed  with  sorrow  and 
tenderness,  like  that  of  St.  Paul,  who  on 
his  entrance  into  the  Areopagus  perceived 
that  the  Athenians  were  no  less  superstiti- 
ous than  the  most  idolatrous  barbarians. 

The  ardor  of  the  servant  of  God  was 
such,  only  because  of  the  extraordinary 
gifts  with  which  God  had  so  profusely  en- 
dowed him.  "The  lights  which  I  receive," 
says  he  in  his  private  memoirs,  "are  so 
numerous,  vivid  and  extensive,  the  senti- 
ments and  emotions  which  I  experience  so 
certain,  although  interrupted,  that  I  can 
truly  say,  that  I  scarcely  ever  have  need  of 
faith  in  order  to  believe,  because  I  not  only 
clearly  perceive  the  things  of  faith,  but 
seem  to  touch  them.  Our  Lord  vouch- 
safes to  act  thus  with  me  on  account  of  my 
extreme  weakness,  knowing  that  with  faith 
alone  I  should  have  done  no  good.  I  must 
then  in  consideration  of  all  this, 

"i.  Think  much  less  of  myself  than  of 
those  who  proceed  onward  by  the  guidance 
of  faith  alone,  without  these  extraordinary 
aids. 

"2.  I  must  renounce  all  this,  and  trust 
to  faith  alone  ;  for  what,"  adds  the  servant 


258  Life  of 

of  God,  "is  all  human  and  even  angelic 
knowledge  in  comparison  to  the  divine  in- 
spirations of  faith?  This  is  a  sun  whose 
splendor  eclipses  all  minor  luminaries,  and 
prevents  their  brightness  from  being  seen. 
O  how  wise  it  is  to  rely  entirely  on  faith, 
and  to  despise  thoroughly  all  the  uncertain 
opinions  and  researches  of  human  know- 
ledge !  The  animal  man  perceives  not  the 
invisible  government  of  God,  who  orders 
and  prepares  all  things^  with  admirable 
economy,  only  discernible" -to  the  eye  of 
faith.  And,  O  what  a  spectacle  is  this,  for 
one  who  is  capable  of  admiring  its  gran- 
deur !  What  peace  and  contentment  does 
it  not  produce  amid  the  vicissitudes  of  life, 
the  various  civil  and  political  commotions 
which  agitate  kingdoms,  cities  and  families! 
What  joy  it  is  to  know  that  all  is  arranged 
by  God,  for  his  greater  glory  and  the  good 
of  his  elect !" 

Such  was  his  hope  of  eternal  salvation 
through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ,  that  he 
appeared  to  have  a  certain  foresight  of  his 
future  happiness  in  heaven.  Thence  pro- 
ceeded his  reluctance  to  linger  still  on 
earth,  where,  to  use  his  own  words,  he  did 
not  wish  to  see  even  his  shadow;  that  com- 
plete detachment,  which  he  felt  from  all 
creatures  and  his  indifference  to  the  honors 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  (7.  M.  259 

aud  praises  which  he  received  from  men ; 
his  ardent  desire  to  accelerate,  indeed  it 
might  be  said  to  consummate,  the  sacrifice 
of  his  life,  that  he  might  ascend  to  heaven 
and  there  contemplate  the  wisdom,  truth, 
and  glory  of  God ;  thence,  in  a  word,  pro- 
ceeded those  interior  emotions  which  at- 
tracted even  his  bodily  senses  to  the  in- 
effable beauties  of  his  Creator  and  L,ast 
End. 

This  hope  became  an  absolute  reliance 
on  God,  and  a  total  abandonment  of  every- 
thing to  him.  He  thus  expresses  his  feel- 
ings :  "After  all,  I  can  draw  but  this  con- 
clusion :  all  the  lights  and  inspirations 
which  I  have  received  and  the  trials  which 
I  have  experienced  admirably  terminate  in 
this :  that  I  should  always,  and  in  every- 
thing, abandon  myself  with  sincere,  total, 
and  filial  tenderness,  into  the  hands  of  my 
good  God,  my  father,  my  loving  spouse, 
my  life,  my  all ;  that  I  may  be  guided  as 
he  chooses,  and  as  it  seems  best  to  him, 
without  seeking  to  know  what  it  is  to  be, 
or  when,  or  how  it  is  to  be  ;  without  asking 
why  this,  or  why  that/  since  numquid  po- 
testis  cogitantes  adjicere  ad  staturam 
vestram  cubitum  unum?  I  am  the  property 
of  God,  I  am  much  more  his  than  my  own, 
and  even  what  I  call  mine,  and  the  very 


260  Life  of 

faculty  of  speaking  thus,  is  his.  He  created 
me  in  order  that  I  might  be  saved,  and  he 
knows  how  to  lead  me  securely  to  this  end ; 
he  can,  and  will  do  it;  while  I,  on  the  con- 
trary, through  my  ignorance  and  malice, 
neither  know,  nor  can  do  anything ;  I  am 
only  fit  to  spoil  the  work.  What  then  re- 
mains for  me  to  do  but  to  abandon  all  to 
him?  I  know  not  what  he  requires  of  me, 
nor  by  what  paths  he  desires  to  lead  me, 
what  are  the  things  he  expects  of  me,  nor 
those  he  does  not  wish  me  to  understand. 
The  ways  of  God  are  most  holy  and  just, 
admirable  and  worthy  of  love;  but  they 
are,  in  general,  secret,  hidden,  ineffable, 
and  incomprehensible.!  Secretos  Dei,  says 
St.  Austin,  intentos  debet  facere  non  adver- 
sos.  j_  I  much  need  to  adopt  and  reduce  to 
practice  the  maxim  of  our  holy  founder,  St. 
Vincent,  who  spoke  thus:  'I  have  a  strong 
attraction  to  follow  Divine  Providence,  step 
by  step,  without  ever  going  before  it.  Con- 
sequently, seeing  in  all  the  holy  will  of 
God,  I  ought  to  be  indifferent  to  every- 
thing, whether  suffering  or  delights,  rest  or 
labor,  to  do  this  or  that,  remain  in  one 
place  or  go  to  another,  treat  with  this  per- 
son or  with  that  other;  acting  only  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  manifestations  of  the 
divine  will  in  my  regard.  This  is  to  be  my 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  261 

polar  star,  and  I  must  keep  the  magnet  of 
my  heart  ever  turned  towards  it;  so  that 
spiritual  advantages,  life  or  death,  and  even 
eternity  itself,  shall  be  desired  by  me,  only 
in  as  much,  and  in  the  manner  that  God 
wills  them.'* 

"Oaltitudo  divitiarum  sapientiae  et  sd- 
entiae  Dei!  How  great  is  my  blindness 
when  I  want  to  understand  all  that  con- 
cerns me,  and  see  whither  I  am  led  by  the 
Lord,  grieving  when  this  is  denied  me! 
My  God  !  what  folly!  as  if  nothing  were  to 
be  attributed  to  the  incomprehensibility  of 
divine  justice  and  the  mystery  of  its  ways! 
As  if  I  ought  not  to  trust  entirely  to  thee  ! 
how  absurd  to  imagine  that  the  helm  would 
be  better  in  my  own  hand,  and  to  wish  thee 
to  account  to  me  for  every  move  that  thou 
makest  either  to  the  right  or  to  the  left! 
What  no  one  would  think  of  with  an 
earthly  pilot,  I  too  often  presume  to  do  to- 
wards the  great  guide  of  my  soul,  the  Holy 
Spirit.  It  is  true  that  the  hidden  judg- 
ments of  God  cause  in  my  soul,  fear,  and 
even  very  great  fear,  because  I  know  that 
God  could  make  of  me  a  terrible  example 
of  the  way  in  which  monsters  of  pride  and 
ingratitude,  like  myself,  are  punished  by 
divine  justice.  But,  if  this  fear  is  accom- 
panied, (as  it  should  always  be,)  by 


262  Life  of 

humility  and  submission  to  the  divine  will, 
it  will  give  rise  to  tender  confidence  which 
will  keep  my  soul  in  peace,  even  in  the 
midst  of  the  thickest  darkness  and  the  most 
frightful  confusion." 

Charity,  the  most  sublime  of  the  three 
theological  virtues,  was  deeply  grounded  in 
the  soul  of  Father  De  Andreis.  We  could 
not  give  a  better  proof  of  this  assertion  than 
by  transcribing  some  of  his  own  words  in 
reference  to  it.  "At  length,"  says  he,  "a 
light  shone  around  me  which  dispelled  my 
darkness,  and  pointed  out  to  me,  with  cer- 
tainty, the  happiness  of  my  state,  which  is 
rapidly  advancing  towards  its  end,  that  of 
completely  purifying  me.  £Very  clearly  did 
I  understand  that,  instmam  te  in  via  Jiac 
qua  gradieris  .  .  .  and  those  other  words, 
quid  mihi  est  in  coelo  et  a  te  quid  volui 
super  terramr\  I  saw  that  when  I  concen- 
trate myself  wholly  in  God,  I  enjoy  great 
light  and  peace.  It  is  only  when  treating 
with  my  neighbor,  on  indifferent  subjects 
that  do  not  refer  immediately  to  God,  that 
I  feel,  in  a  manner,  estranged  and  be- 
wildered ;  that  I  surfer  unspeakable  anguish 
of  mind,  which  only  those  who  have  un- 
dergone similar  trials  can  understand.  It 
is  something  like  what  one  must  feel  in 
being  plunged  headlong  into  a  fathomless 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  263 

abyss.  .  .  .  All  in  God,  for  God,  with  God, 
according  to  the  views  of  God,  and  nothing 
more! 

"It  would  be  delightful  to  dwell  in  some 
corner  of  the  house,  forgotten  and  as  if 
dead,  being  resolved  to  enjoy  no  other  com- 
pany than  that  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  sweet 
spouse  of  my  soul,  resigning  myself  com- 
pletely into  his  hands,  devoting  entirely  to 
his  service  my  tongue,  mind,  and  heart, 
my  body,  life,  time,  and  everything  that  is 
mine." 

During  the  retreat  that  Father  De  An- 
dreis made  in  1810,  he  examined,  with  the 
utmost  diligence,  all  the  affections  of  his 
heart ;  he  thus  concludes: —  "It  appears  to 
me  that  I  am,  through  the  Divine  Mercy, 
in  this  disposition,  that  if  I  knew  there 
were  in  my  heart  a  single  fibre  not  entirely 
belonging  to  God,  I  would  tear  it  out,  even 
should  it  cost  me  my  life :  confirma  Deus 
hanc  voluntatem."  To  this  he  adds:  "God 
alone  is  great,  to  God  alone  be  all  honor 
and  glory,  God  alone,  and  nothing  else !" 
Again,  he  says,  on  the  3rd  of  November : 
"I  have,  during  the  past  days,  received 
from  the  Almighty  a  most  admirable  grace, 
which  consists  in  a  gentle,  yet  very  strong 
desire  to  divest  myself,  once  for  all,  of  all 
my  failings  and  imperfections,  to  clothe 


264  Life  of 

myself  with  Jesus  Christ ;  and  I  burn  with 
divine  love,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  inflame 
the  hearts  of  others  /  flammescat  igne  cari- 
tas  accendat  ardor  proximos." 

Such,  as  he  himself  describes  it,  was  the 
flame  that,  day  and  night,  consumed  him. 
It  was  perceptible  in  his  words,  which  had 
the  power  of  moving,  even  to  tears,  the 
most  hardened  sinner.  It  shone  upon  his 
countenance,  which,  though  naturally  of  a 
pallid  hue,  assumed  a  vivid  glow  whenever 
he  spoke,  either  in  public  or  in  private,  of 
the  truths  of  faith  or  the  mysteries  of 
our  holy  religion.  It  could  be  seen  in  his 
abhorrence  of  the  smallest  fault,  in  his 
prayers,  his  zeal  for  his  sanctification,  his 
solicitude  in  forming  good  subjects  for  his 
Congregation ;  in  fine,  in  his  unwearied 
anxiety  to  gain  souls  to  God.  All  this  pro- 
ceeded from  the  intensity  of  his  love  for 
God ;  and  with  reference  to  this  he  wrote, 
May  ist,  1814,  some  secret  aspirations ,  (for 
it  was  thus  he  called  them).  But  it  will 
be  better  to  give  his  words,  as  we  find  them 
in  his  own  hand-writing. 

"SECRET  ASPIRATIONS  OF  LOVE. 

"i.  I  resolve,  now  and  forever,  to  abhor, 
detest  and  avoid  every  sin,  both  mortal  and 
venial,  and  even  the  slightest  imperfection 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  265 

that  might  in  any  way  be  contrary  to  the 
maxims  of  Jesus  Christ ;  which  might  tend 
to  strengthen  the  influence  of  self-love  or 
any  other  passion,  or  draw  my  heart  to  seek 
rest  in  creatures.  And  as  soon  a  I  perceive 
anything  of  this,  I  will  immediately  turn 
my  heart  to  God  by  a  simple  act  of  implicit 
love,  an  interior  impulse  of  the  soul.  I 
will  do  this  with  God's  aid  which  I  humbly 
implore  and  confidently  expect ;  for,  with- 
out his  help  I  am  capable  of  nothing  but 
sin,  in  which  I  might  exceed  the  greatest 
criminals. 

"2.  I  am  resolved,  at  the  very  first  ap- 
pearance of  any  temptation  whatever,  to 
cling  as  closely  as  possible,  by  an  interior 
motion  of  the  heart,  to  the  holy  and  loving 
law  of  God  in  its  full  extent,  disavowing  all 
the  repugnance  of  my  wretched  concupis- 
cence and  protesting  against  it  with  all  my 
heart. 

"3.  In  all  my  undertakings,  but  especi- 
ally in  discharging  the  functions  of  the 
holy  ministry,  I  purpose  to  have  in  view 
the  sole  glory  of  God,  and  the  salvation  of 
souls,  caring  nothing  for  human  respect, 
and  really  desiring  to  be,  on  that  account, 
derided,  ridiculed,  and  persecuted  in  every 
possible  way. 

'4.    I  purpose  to  remain  always  united 


< . 


266  Life  of 

to  God,  resigned  to  his  holy  will  in  all  the 
events  of  life,  looking  upon  everything  as 
ordered  by  his  loving  providence  for  my 
greater  good,  having  received  so  many 
positive  proofs  of  his  beneficent  care  over 
me.  Therefore,  disregarding  all  human 
things,  I  will  neither  wonder  nor  rejoice 
nor  be  grieved,  except  in  God  or  for  God. 

"5.  I  purpose,  henceforward,  to  trample 
under  foot  all  the  judgments  and  sayings  of 
men,  going  to  God  with  simplicity  and  full 
liberty  of  spirit ;  I  care  not  who  may 
choose  to  call  me  severe,  scrupulous, 
melancholy,  ignorant,  a  hypocrite,  a  fool, 
a  fanatic,  an  enthusiast  or  any  similar  term. 
Let  them  seek  to  humble,  ill-treat  me,  or 
do  me  the  greatest  injury,  I  will  only  cling 
the  closer  to  the  cross  J  and  exulting  in  God, 
will  exclaim:  Christo  confixus  sum  cruci  . . . 
mihi  absit  gloriari  nisi  in  cruce  Domini 
Nostri  Jesu  Christi. 

"6.  I  resolve  neither  to  think,  wish,  say, 
nor  do  anything,  whether  directly  or  in- 
directly, for  my  own  satisfaction  ;  but,  if  I 
can,  without  transgressing  the  law,  I  will 
always  endeavor  to  act  against  my  natural 
inclination,  and  hope  to  do  all  this  by  the 
grace  of  God.  (Taken  at  the  foot  of  the 
Crucifix. ) 

"To  attach  myself  still  more  firmly  to 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  267 

the  cross,  I  firmly  resolve  to  renounce  all 
spiritual  delights  even  unio  death;  in  the 
following  sense  however:  i.  I  do  not  mean, 
hereby,  to  make  any  vow,  or  bind  myself 
by  anything  beyond  a  mere  promise. 
2.  I  mean  that  I  will  neither  seek,  desire, 
nor  in  any  manner  aspire  to  it,  believing 
myself,  in  all  sincerity,  quite  unworthy  of 
such  favors.  3.  I  will,  on  the  contrary, 
beseech  Divine  Goodness  to  give  me  in  its 
stead,  an  increase  of  light,  that  I  may 
know  what  I  should  do,  and  strength  to 
execute  his  will,  always  in  view  of  himself 
alone.  4.  If  God,  who  is  so  good,  should 
deign  to  bestow  upon  me  this  spiritual 
sweetness,  I  must  humble  myself  and  be  ex- 
ceedingly confused  thereat ;  thank  him  for 
it,  and  endeavor  to  find  an  opportunity  of 
suffering,  and  of  humbling  myself,  in  pro- 
portion, if  possible,  to  the  pleasure  I  have 
enjoyed.  5.  I  must  not  think  much  of  this 
sensible  fervor,  but  conceal  it  with  great 
care,  attaching  my  heart  more  and  more  to 
suffering  and  humiliation." 

Finally,  in  the  retreat  which  the  servant 
of  God  made  in  1814,  he  thus  speaks  in 
confirmation  of  the  preceeding  resolutions: 
"I  now  resolve  to  reserve  every  species  of 
enjoyment  and  repose  for  paradise,  and  in 
this  life,  to  seek  nothing  but  suffering, 


268  Life  of 

fatigue  and  contempt,  and  to  do  this  al- 
ways and  to  the  best  of  my  ability.  My 
life  must  be  one  continual  sacrifice,  and  I 
must  desire  to  suffer,  labor,  and  be  despised, 
ever  more  and  more,  as  long  as  life  may 
last.  I  shall  avoid  enjoyinents^epose  and 
human  esteem,  each  day  endeavoring  to 
detach  myself  still  more  from  all  creatures, 
however  good,  amiable  and  virtuous  they 
may  be,  in  order  that  I  may  concentrate  all 
my  faculties  on  the  pure  love  of  God." 

When  Father  De  Andreis  speaks  of 
longing  after  still  greater  labors,  he  refers 
to  the  spiritual  advantage  of  his  neighbor, 
because  charity  towards  our  neighbor  pro- 
ceeds from  the  same  source  as  love  for  God. 
Properly  speaking,  these  two  virtues  are 
but  one,  which  makes  us  act  in  different 
ways,  like  a  tree  with  two  branches,  one  of 
which  rises  towards  heaven  while  the  other 
leans  towards  the  earth.  Now,  our  fervent 
Missionary  has  very  frequently  shown  that 
the  works  he  undertook  for  the  good  of  his 
neighbor  were  all  prompted  by  his  love  for 
God,  but  he  mentions  this  expressly,  in  the 
following  terms : 

"I  am  resolved  to  consider  in  my  neigh- 
bor the  living  image  of  the  one  triune  God, 
to  look  upon  all  as  his  adopted  children, 
the  spouses  of  Jesus  Christ;  and  I  will  seek, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  269 

by  every  means  in  my  power,  to  promote 
their  salvation  and  perfection.  How  then 
could  I  refrain  from  being  anxious  to  com- 
fort, edify,  instruct,  serve,  and  assist  them? 
To  succeed  in  a  proper  manner,  I  resolve 
to  adoptt  with  all  indiscriminately!  the 
most  efficacious  means,  namely  humility, 
respect,  and  kindness,  both  in  word  and 
deed  ;  seeking  after  nothing  myself,  unless 
it  be  very  clearly  the  will  of  God  that  I 
should  do  so.  I  will  think  well  of  all,  ex- 
cuse, compassionate,  esteem  all,  and  wish 
well  to  all.  I  will  never  stop  to  reflect  on 
suspicions  or  hear-say,  but  will  treat  them 
as  things  of  no  consequence;  and,  being 
well  convinced  of  the  infirmities  and  weak- 
ness of  human  nature,  I  will  generously 
exclaim:  "I  am  the  worst  of  all!11 

The  desire  of  accomodating  himself  to 
others  made  him,  like  St,  Vincent,  reflect 
on  his  exterior  deportment,  in  order  to 
divest  it  of  whatever  might  seem  too  seri- 
ous or  reserved. 

"The  Lord,"  he  writes,  "has  revealed 
to  me  during  this  retreat,  that  it  is  now 
time  to  abate  somewhat  of  my  habitual  re- 
serve; and,  this  matter  having  been  men- 
tioned to  my  superior,  in  communication, 
he  also  thinks  that  it  should  be  done. 

"Learn  then,  O  my  soul,  to  make  thy- 


270  Life  of 

self  all  unto  all,  by  the  constant  practice  of 
active,  meek,  simple,  cordial,  mortified  and 
zealous  humility,  making  of  this  a  par- 
ticular study  in  thy  meditations  and  exam- 
inations of  conscience,  purposing  to  follow 
the  example  of  Father  De  Petris.  And,  al- 
though the  time  of  recreation  is  for  thee  a 
kind  of  torture,  thou  must  bear  it,  and  con- 
quer thyself  by  the  thought  that  our  voca- 
tion requires  us  to  be  affable  and  cheerful 
in  our  demeanor. 

If  thou  art  not  gentle  with  thyself,  thou 
wilt  never  be  so  towards  others.  However 
much  thou  mayest  study  to  wear  a  pleasant 
and  cheerful  countenance,  thy  manner  will 
reveal  that  it  is  really  for  show.  Thou 
wilt  unconsciously  discover  the  interior 
disturbance  of  thy  heart,  and  even  shouldst 
thou  make  efforts  to  conceal  it,  these  very 
efforts  will  appear  constrained  and  affected j 
error  pejor  priore.  And,  as  we  generally 
act,  according  to  the  Angelic  Doctor,  ex 
hdbitu  praeconcepto ,  (though  unknown  to 
ourselves,)  thou  wilt,  in  spite  of  all  thy 
care,  now  and  then,  when  interiorly  dis- 
turbed, let  something  of  this  disquietude  be 
perceptible  in  thy  manners,  by  being  taci- 
turn or  sarcastic  in  conversation.  Come 
then,  my  soul,  let  us  take  courage,  etc." 


CHAPTER  XL 

Simplicity,  Prudence,  Fortitude,  Humility,  and  Meek- 
ness  of  Father  De  Andreis. 

THE  virtue  of  Christian  simplicity  leads 
man  directly  to  God,  with  the  pure  and 
straight-forward  intention  of  glorifying 
him,  while  seeking  to  avoid  all  duplicity  in 
dealing  with  the  neighbor.  This  was  the 
virtue  inculcated  by  our  Saviour  when  he 
said,  "Be  ye  simple  as  doves."  This  being 
the  first  virtue  that  St.  Vincent  recom- 
mends to  his  children,  Father  De  Andreis 
made  it  the  chief  object  of  his  most  earnest 
efforts.  "I  have  found  out  by  experience," 
he  writes  November  3d,  1811,  "that  there 
is  nothing  better  in  the  ways  of  God,  than 
to  simplify  all  our  intentions  by  directing 
them  towards  God  alone.  Once,  the  joy  I 
experienced  in  suffering,  made  me  imagine 
that  it  was  well  to  desire,  and  even  to  ask, 
to  remain  in  a  state  wherein  continually 
floret  ilia  dulcedo,  without  which  I  thought 
that  human  weakness  could  not  stand  in 
the  midst  of  the  toils  and  thorns  of  the 
ministry.  But  I  now  see  that  still  more  is 
requisite ;  namely,  to  suffer  without  enjoy  - 

(271) 


272  Life  of 

ing  any  sensible  consolation,  and  to  learn 
to  say:  'The  cross,  the  cross,  always  the 
cross,  and  God  alone!'  I  should,  at  least, 
like  to  know  what  is  the  inspiration  that 
leads  me  on  without  revealing  itself  fully 
to  my  mind  ;  but  it  is  the  will  of  God  that 
I  renounce  even  this  satisfaction,  and  that 
my  will,  memory,  and  understanding,  all 
be  resigned  into  his  hands |  while  I  repeat 
these  words  of  the  Psalmist:  Dominus  regit 
me,  etc.,  adding,  ut  jumentum  factus  sum 
apud  te  et  ego  semper  tecum.  The  cross  in 
all  its  nudity,  pain  and  ignominy,  this  shall 
be  my  only  portion. 

"Now  I  understand  what  the  goodness  of 
God  operated  within  me,  sixteen  years  ago, 
at  the  time  of  my  novitiate.  Then  I  could 
not  describe,  neither  could  I  comprehend, 
how  solitude,  silence,  privation,  reserve, 
interior  death,  and  annihilation,  were  so 
pleasing  to  me.  O  Infinite  Goodness!  God 
alone  in  everything!  He  only  shall  be  my 
aim.  In  speaking  and  treating  with  men, 
I  will  constantly  strive  to  repress  any 
secondary  motive  that  might  arise.  I  will 
likewise  rejoice  if,  by  thus  acting  simply  in 
the  view  of  pleasing  God,  I  chance  to  be 
scorned,  derided  or  mocked;  though  I  will 
never  act  purposely  for  that  end.  O  beau- 
teous, lovely  simplicity!  Thou  goest  directly 


Very  Rev.  Ifelix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  273 

to  the  very  heart  of  God !  I  will  never 
abandon  thee,  however  much  the  infernal 
serpent  may  seek  to  entice  me  into  his 
winding  pathways£~  I  will  say  continually, 
Quid  mihi  est  in  coelo,  etc.  Donee  deficiam 
non  recedam  a  simplicitate  mea.  My  heart, 
following  its  secret  inspirations,  sought  to 
make  God  known*)  to  a  blind  crowd,  and 
Assur  sine  causa  calumniatws  est  eumQSo 
beautiful  a  resemblence  to  the  Man-God  do 
I  perceive  in  this,  that  it  transports  me 
beyond  myself;  et  unde  hoc  mihi!" 

Animated  by  such  sentiments  as  these, 
he  was  always  truly  simple  in  his  affections, 
intentions,  words  and  actions,  in  such  a 
manner  that  he  knew  not  how  to  disguise 
his  thoughts,  nor  artfully  to  conceal  his  de- 
signs. His  conversation  was  frank  and 
sincere ;  he  was  incapable  of  assuming  a 
semblance  of  mystery,  or  of  saying  one 
thing  for  the  purpose  of  finding  out  an- 
other. His  sole  aim  was  to  please  God  and 
help  his  neighbor,  if  he  could ;  this  kept 
him  constantly  employed,  both  in  public 
and  in  private.  He  set  forth  the  truths  of 
the  gospel  in  the  clearest  light;  and,  no 
matter  how  well  or  ill  others  listened  to  his 
words,  he  never  gilded  his  discourses  or 
dissembled  his  doctrine.  He  cared  not 


")  By  means  of  his  Catechism. 


274  Life  of 

whether  his  auditors  were  the  wise  or  the 
ignorant,  subtle  critics  or  profound  reas- 
oners;  and  thus  he  pleased  all;  for  it  was 
evident  that  he  knew  not  the  wiles  of 
policy,  nor  that  insidious  manner  of  modify- 
ing the  gospel  to  please  the  rich,  and  gain 
popular  applause.  According  to  the  evan- 
gelical precept,  he  united  prudence  with 
simplicity;  and  this  prudence  was  ad- 
mirably displayed  in  his  care  to  avoid  that 
false  zeal,  which  is  so  often  concealed  un- 
der the  specious  pretext  of  charity,  causing 
us  to  seek  ourselves,  our  own  esteem  or 
gratification,  while  apparently  we  labor 
solely  for  the  salvation  of  souls.  This  is  a 
fatal  illusion,  against  which  Kempis  warns 
us  when  he  says:  Interdum  passione  move- 
mur  et  zelum  putamus.  Ardently  desiring 
to  avoid  the  snares  of  this  false  zeal,  the 
servant  of  God  resolved,  "Never  to  court 
the  society  of  any  one,  but  to  receive  all 
with  the  utmost  cordiality,"  thus  making 
himself  all  unto  all,  though  he  cautiously 
refrained  from  undertaking  any  employ- 
ment, unless  at  the  command  of  his  super- 
iors, or  when  some  evident  necessity  re- 
quired it. 

uBy  laboring  assiduously  at  the  work  of 
my  own  perfection,"  he  adds  elsewhere, 
"I  shall  do  more  good  to  others  than  by  a 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  275 

thousand  sermons  and  missions^  Hdbe  ergo 
zelum  primum  supra  te  ipswrij  et  tune  juste 
zelare  poteris  super  olios,  as  Kempis 
teaches." 

He  was  entirely  averse  to  carnal  pru- 
dence of  which  he  speaks  thus:  "The 
demon  makes  use  of  the  tongue  of  many 
prudent  persons,  to  withdraw  others  from 
the  way  of  the  cross  and  the  practice  of 
mortification,  under  pretence  of  preserving 
health;  whereas  it  prospers  far  better  be- 
neath the  shadow  of  the  cross  than  else- 
where. I  therefore  resolve  to  resume  my 
former  custom  with  regard  to  the  evening 
refection  and  the  siesta  during  the  day." 
Elsewhere,  he  speaks  in  the  following 
terms : 

"Oh !  how  easy  it  is  to  be  led  away  by 
the  current,  and  relax  the  evangelical  doc- 
trine, in  order  to  adapt  it  to  the  views  and 
customs  of  the  world !  If  we  be  not  more 
than  commonly  vigilant,  we  become  ene- 
mies of  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  reduce  the 
gospel  to  a  mere  natural  system,  wherein 
we  grant  a  sort  of  precedency  to  some 
shadow  of  religion ;  or  rather,  we  seek  to 
serve  two  masters  by  trying  to  associate 
religion  with  the  world.  Under  the  pre- 
text that  God  is  good  and  that  Jesus  Christ 
came  into  the  world  for  the  salvation  of 


276  Life  of 

sinners,  vice  is  pampered,  and  certain 
maxims  of  carnal  prudence,  which  were 
unknown  to  Jesus  Christ,  the  Apostles,  and 
the  holy  fathers,  are  coined  and  circulated. 
The  world  calls  for  unprejudiced  teachers, 
declaims  against  rigorism  and  fanaticism, 
(for  thus  it  denominates  detachment,  hu- 
mility, and  sanctity j)  and  brands  with  the 
epithet  of  Jansenist  any  one  who  desires 
firmly  to  uphold  the  truths  of  the  gospel. 

0  unfortunate  times!  what  fortitude  is  re- 
quisite that  we  may  not  be  compelled  to 
exclaim,    verba    vmquonmi    prevaluerunt 
super  nos! 

It  will  gratify  the  reader  to  hear  these 
other  words  of  his,  on  the  same  subject : 

1  'On  the  24th  of  June,  1814,  the  feast  of 
St.  John  the  Baptist,  while  reflecting  on 
the  fortitude  and  constancy  displayed  by 
this  great  saint,  it  struck  me  that  the  un- 
easiness which  I  experience  in  hearing  con- 
fessions, proceeds,  in  a  great  measure,  from 
a  certain  want  of  firmness  in  adhering  to 
the   cause   of  truth   and  justice.     I  want 
every  one  to  yield  at  once  to  the  attractions 
of  this  beauteous  sun,   and,   not  meeting 
with  the  desired  success,  I  become  sad  and 
discouraged  as  if  everything  depended  on 
me,  or  as  if  I  exercised  immoderate  rigor, 
in  comparison  with  others  who  are  more 
indulgent. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    277 

"But,  good  God  !  in  the  confessional  our 
business  is,  not  to  accommodate  truth  and 
justice  to  the  liking  of  the  penitents  who 
come  to  us,  but  rather  to  subject  them  to 
the  maxims  of  truth  and  justice.  These 
are  the  unchangeable  rules  to  which  men 
must  submit  in  order  to  be  just ;  and  how 
can  they  be  so  if  they  be  not  conformed  to 
justice,  which  alone  can  render  them  just ! 
God  can  never  be  allied  to  a  heart  that 
loves  sin.  Of  what  use  is  it  then  to  absolve 
one  who  is  still  plunged  in  the  abyss  of  sin, 
or  in  whom  we  can  discover  no  mark  that 
he  is  detached  from  his  faults,  and  sincerely 
converted  to  the  side  of  justice  !  Would  it 
not  be  to  betray  souls,  to  delude  them  with 
a  false  and  pernicious  semblance  of  peace? 
And,  would  this  not  be  an  insult  offered  to 
justice?  Let  all  then  be  blind ;  let  the 
world  clamor  loudly  against  me ;  call  me 
rigorist,  Jansenist,  as  much  as  it  pleases, 
(though  I  heartily  detest  anything  that 
savors  of  rigorism  and  Jansenism;)  let  it 
outrage  and  calumniate  me,  let  millions  of 
easy  confessors  break  loose  against  me; 
they  only  prove  that  they  have  not  a  cor- 
rect idea  of  Christian  justice;  that,  content- 
ing themselves  with  certain  inconclusive 
appearances,  they  absolve  without  knowing 
why.  But  all  they  can  do  or  say  shall 


278  Life  of 

never  induce  me  to  betray  truth  and  justice, 
and  the  interests  of  those  poor  souls  who 
call  upon  us  to  give  them  aid.  Constancy, 
then,  and  firmness,  because  mundus  transit 
et  concupiscentia  ejus  et  veritas  Domini 
manet  in  aeternum." 

Instructed  in  the  school  of  St.  Vincent, 
who  was  the  declared  enemy  of  anything 
like  precipitation,  his  prudence  prompted 
him  to  avoid  haste  in  his  plans  and  delib- 
erations. On  this  account,  whenever 
necessity  did  not  compel  him  to  act  im- 
mediately, the  servant  of  God  took  time  in 
order  to  mature  his  opinion,  by  considering 
the  matter  on  which  he  had  to  pronounce, 
under  all  its  different  aspects.  Though 
very  learned  himself,  he  consulted  men  of 
wisdom  and  experience,  and  had  recourse 
to  God  by  means  of  fervent  prayer  and 
penance.  After  all  these  precautions,  sure 
of  the  will  of  God,  he  set  to  work  without 
hesitation,  and  labored  with  intrepid  forti- 
tude. 

Father  De  Andreis  especially  manifested 
this  virtue  of  fortitude  during  the  bitter 
mental  sufferings  to  which  it  pleased  God 
to  subject  him  for  so  many  years.  Such 
pains  are  but  with  difficulty  understood  by 
those  who  have  never  felt  them  ;  and,  one 
who  is  not  liable  to  them,  knows  not  how 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    279 

to  describe  such  sufferings.  Nearly  all  trie 
saints  have  undergone  similar  trials,  but 
especially  St.  Theresa,  St.  Mary  Magdalen 
of  Pazzi,  St.  Veronica  Capucina,  and  St. 
St.  John  of  the  Cross.  St.  John  has  left  us 
a  frightful  picture  of  his  suffering  in  his 
Dark  Nights,  wherein  he  represents  the 
dense  gloom  in  which  his  mind  was  im- 
mersed, the  agonizing  dryness  and  interior 
desolation  which  made  him  feel  as  if  his 
soul  were  delivered  up  to  all  the  powers  of 
hell.  Father  De  Andreis  had  to  suffer  the 
same  excruciating  pains,  and  their  inten- 
sity was  such  that  his  constitution  was 
affected,  and  his  health  was  never  after- 
wards the  same.  Yet  he  struggled  against 
this  torture,  so  that  no  one  ever  knew  from 
what  source  his  infirmities  proceeded.  He 
often  repeated  with  Job :  etiamsi  Occident 
me,  in  eum  sperabo;  post  tenebras  spero 
lucem. 

In  fine,  the  character  of  this  great  ser- 
vant of  God  was  fully  revealed  in  his  mis- 
sion to  America.  The  terrible  fatigue  of 
so  long  a  voyage,  danger  of  shipwreck, 
severity  of  the  climate,  hunger,  thirst,  al- 
most extreme  want  of  the  very  necessities 
of  life,  his  habitual  infirmities,  all  these 
trials  never  weakened  his  constancy,  which 
seemed  to  become  only  the  more  vigorous 


28o  Life  of 

when  assailed  by  the  most  violent  mis- 
fortunes. The  reader  must  have  noticed 
this  in  many  circumstances  which  we  have 
detailed;  therefore  it  will  be  quite  enough 
to  recall  them  to  his  mind.  We  must  not 
be  silent  with  regard  to  his  humility,  that 
virtue  which,  according  to  the  holy  fathers, 
is  the  foundation  of  all  others  and  the  basis 
on  which  we  must  erect  the  spiritual  edifice 
of  our  sanctification.  Once  more  we  will 
repeat  his  own  words,  which  are  far  more 
expressive  than  anything  we  could  say. 
They  are  as  follows:  ''Meditating  on  hu- 
mility, and  considering  how  many  efforts  I 
had  made  to  acquire  this  virtue,  and  always 
without  fruit,  I  became  inwardly  cast  down 
and  was  almost  yielding  to  despair,  when 
our  most  merciful  God  enlightened  my 
mind  with  an  opportune  inspiration,  which 
showed  me  at  a  glance  the  origin  of  all  my 
spiritual  infirmities.  I  at  once  perceived 
that  by  grieving  so  much,  and  giving  way 
to  such  excessive  disquietude,  I  manifestly 
fail  in  my  resolution  of  relying  completely 
on  Divine  Providence.  1  saw  this  sadness 
to  be  a  clear  sigri  that  I  put  too  much  con- 
fidence in  my  own  strength,  and  very  little 
in  the  power  of  grace.  This  morning  too, 
when  I  was  meditating  on  meekness,  it  was 
shown  me  that  I  shall  never  become  mild 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  281 

and  affable  with  others,  unless  I  learn  from 
the  very  first  to  be  so  with  myself.  My 
God !  how  much  evil  is  caused  by  that  ex- 
cessive care  and  anxiety  to  which  I  am  so 
prone  !  In  the  first  place,  this  cannot  pro- 
ceed from  God,  whose  spirit  is  one  of  peace 
and  mildness.  It  comes  then  either  from 
the  human  spirit,  always  too  hasty  and  im- 
petuous, or  more  probably  from  the  demon, 
who  by  this  means  attains  more  surely  his 
own  ends,  namely:  —  First,  to  destroy  the 
peace  of  the  heart  by  innumerable  troubles, 
scruples  and  fears.  Secondly,  to  prevent 
free  communication  between  the  soul  and 
God,  by  hindering  it  from  following  the 
attraction  of  grace,  and  making  it  act  ac- 
cording to  his  own  liking.  Thirdly,  to 
keep  alive  the  spirit  of  pride,  making  one 
believe  that  he  is  effecting  much  good,  and 
that  the  soul  can  rely  on  its  own  powers, 
thus  enticing  it  to  fly  without  wings. 
Fourthly  in  fine,  besides  other  numerous 
dangers,  it  exposes  us  to  that  of  never  at- 
taining our  own  perfection;  and  also  makes 
us  run  the  risk  of  committing,  through 
pride  and  discouragement,  some  great  fault. 
False  humility  has  often  served  as  a  pre- 
text for  neglecting  the  advice  which  we 
receive  on  this  subject.  Ah !  poor  blind 
creature,  if  thou  hadst  reflected  ever  so 


282  Life  of 

little,  thou  wouldst  have  seen  that  this  was 
not  humility,  but  the  most  refined  pride. 
Come  then,  my  soul,  let  us  take  courage; 
even  St.  Vincent,  in  some  of  his  retreats, 
found  it  necessary  to  take  resolutions  on  a 
point  somewhat  similar  to  this.  Be  not 
troubled  at  thy  failures,  but  follow  the  doc- 
trine of  St.  Francis  de  Sales,  who  says, 
'Take  courage,  my  soul,  God  requires  this 
of  thee.  Only  place  no  obstacle  to  the  im- 
pulses of  grace,  and  endeavor,  on  the  con- 
trary, to  co-operate  with  them.' 

"Inspirations  which  I  received  at  the  feast  of 
Pentecost,  and  on  which  I  should  reflect 
every  morning  in  meditation. 

"i.  God  absolutely  wills  me  to  become  a 
saint. 

"2.  I  shall  never  be  this,  unless  I  am 
humble. 

"3.  I  shall  never  be  humble,  if  I  do  not 
seek  humiliations,  if  I  fear  and  shun  them, 
or,  what  would  be  much  worse,  if  I  seek 
my  own  elevation. 

"4.  I  shall  never  succeed  in  flying  honors 
and  loving  humiliations,  unless  I  make 
daily  practice  of  these  acts. 

"5.  I  shall  never  practise  them  well,  if 
I  do  not  foresee  them  in  my  morning  medi- 
tation, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    283 

"Three  Classes  of  Particular  Acts,  on  which  I 
should  insist. 

FIRST  CLASS. 

"i.  Acknowledge  before  God  my  own 
nothingness,  both  in  order  of  nature  and  of 
grace,  saying  for  example,  Substantial  meet, 
tanquam  nihilum  ante  te. 

U2.  Avow  myself  unworthy  of  associat- 
ing and  conversing  with  my  companions, 
on  account  of  my  faults  and  numerous  in- 
fidelities, and  strive,  on  this  consideration, 
to  produce  acts  of  wonder  and  surprise,  that 
they  should  support  me  with  so  much 
meekness  and  charity. 

"3.  Acknowledge  my  own  unworthiness, 
at  the  very  time  that  I  do  not  feel  these 
sentiments  within  my  heart/  saying  with 
St.  Augustine,  quid  miserius  misero,  non 
miserante  seipsum,  adding  the  invocation, 
noverim  te,  noverim  me,  etc. 

SECOND  CLASS. 

"i.  Watch  attentively  over  all  the 
thoughts  of  pride  and  vanity  which  arise 
in  my  mind,  suppress  them  immediately, 
renouncing  for  the  time  all  the  most 
plausible  pretexts  that  self-love  may  sug- 
gest, because  the  heart  gladly  feeds  on  this 
kind  of  poison, 


284  Life  of 

(<2.  Never  speak  of  myself,  either  well 
or  ill,  without  real  necessity. 

"3.  Always  choose  the  lowest  place, 
office  or  employment,  striving  to  love  to 
be  unknown,  forgotten,  despised  and  dis- 
regarded. 

THIRD  CLASS. 

ui.  Willingly  speak  in  praise  of  others, 
particularly  the  absent,  and  more  par- 
ticularly in  favor  of  those  towards  whom  I 
may  feel  any  inward  aversion. 

U2.  Never  excuse  myself  without  real 
necessity,  .but  when  I  am  accused,  I  ought, 
on  the  contrary,  to  acknowledge  that  I  am 
guilty  of  much  more,  and  give  myself  a 
still  lower  place  than  the  one  assigned  me 
by  my  accusers  ;  humble  myself  interiorly, 
and  avow  that  I  am  deserving  of  these 
humiliations. 

"3.  Shun,  as  much  as  possible,  everything 
tending  to  raise  me  in  the  esteem  of  others, 
while  I  embrace  with  joy  every  opportunity 
of  humbling  myself  ;  I  should  even  be  in- 
genious in  seeking  occasions  of  humilia- 
tion. 

"If  I  find  any  difficulty  in  the  practice  of 
these  acts,  I  must  not,  on  that  account, 
lose  courage;  but  on  the  contrary,  make 
more  strenuous  efforts  to  overcome  it  in 
prayer,  deploring  my  ignorance  and  weak- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  285 

ness,  while  I  am  confounded  at  the  example 
of  the  saints  and  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  true 
son  of  God,  who  humbled  himself  so  much 
for  my  sake. 

"I  should  not  flatter  myself  on  account 
of  the  favors  that  I  have  received  from 
God.  Who  was  ever  more  favored  than 
Saul,  Solomon,  or  Judas?  and  yet  what  was 
their  end?  I  know  not  if  the  very  person 
that  I  despise  be  not  very  great  in  the  sight 
of  God,  while  I  cannot  tell  if  I  am  even  in 
his  grace.  And,  could  I  know  for  certain 
that  I  stand  well  with  God,  and  that  this 
person  has  forfeited  his  favor,  cannot  things 
be  reversed?  I  know  not,  quid  cogitaverit 
de  illo  Dens.  Therefore,  for  my  greater 
security  there  remains  to  me  nothing  better 
than  to  humble  myself,  ever  taking  the 
lowest  place,  in  order  to  make  no  mistake. 
For,  were  I  to  prefer  myself  before  only 
one,  such  a  mistake  would  be  fatal;  where- 
as it  could  only  be  to  my  advantage  were  I 
to  put  myself  below  one  who  is  really  less 
than  I  am.  Thus  shall  I  learn  to  imitate 
the  great  model  of  our  souls,  Jesus  Christ, 
qui  venit  ministrare  et  non  ministrari,  and 
who  appeared  on  earth  as  the  last  of  men 
and  the  refuse  of  the  people. 

"Substantia  mea  tanquam  nihilum  ante 
te.  How  necessary  is  this  annihilation! 


286  Life  of 

In  order  to  keep  it  ever  present  to  my 
mind,  I  should  be  well  convinced  that  I  am 
but  a  vessel  of  abomination ;  that  it  is  not 
others  who  are  troublesome  to  me,  but  I, 
who  am  on  the  contrary,  a  subject  for  the 
constant  practice  of  patience,  mortification 
and  every  other  virtue,  on  the  part  of  my 
companions.  I  must  then  be  careful  to  re- 
ject every  idea  contrary  to  this  belief.  It 
is  clearly  evident,  that  of  myself  I  can  do 
nothing.  God  has  closed  against  me  every 
path  but  this  —  I  must  annihilate  myself 
completely,  so  that  the  work  of  God  may 
be  more  visible,  acting  as  it  does  on  a 
barren  tree,  a  vessel  of  weakness  and  im- 
purity. Thus  all  the  glory  of  the  work 
will  redound  to  Himself  without  the  sub- 
traction of  even  the  smallest  particle.  I 
must  then  rejoice,  whenever  I  meet  with 
an  opportunity  of  appearing  stupid,  foolish, 
ill-disposed,  good  for  nothing;  and  I  should 
tremble  with  fear,  when  I  am  ever  so  little 
esteemed. 

"Salva  me  ex  ore  leonis.  To-day,  God 
has  shown  me  clearly,  to  my  very  great 
horror,  the  monster  of  my  self-love  still 
living  in  the  depth  of  my  heart.  It  is  like 
a  voracious  animal,  which,  with  jaws  ex- 
tended, is  ready  to  devour  whatever  I  do. 
From  the  difficulty  I  experience  in  strug- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  i)eAndreis>  C.  M.  287 

gling  against  it,  I  perceive  how  firmly  this 
monster  has  established  its  dominion  Over 
me,  and  how  great  is  the  mercy  of  the  Al- 
mighty in  permitting  that  this  vexation 
which  has  been  troubling  me  for  nearly  a 
year,  should  finally  be  manifested.  This 
gives  me  a  chance  to  know  myself  and 
escape  this  frightful  peril.  No  wonder, 
such  being  the  case,  that  I  experience  con- 
fusion when  I  am  scoffed  or  derided.  I  am 
but  a  vessel  of  abomination,  and  however 
much  I  may  try  never  to  yield  the  victory 
to  self-love,  the  greedy  monster  has  ac- 
quired such  empire  over  my  heart,  that, 
from  time  to  time,  it  will  steal  some  secret 
morsels;  and,  if  I  am  not  prompt  in  snatch- 
ing them  out  of  its  mouth,  they  are  soon 
swallowed.  O  my  God !  Salva  nos,  peri- 
mus! 

*  "Spiritu  oris  sui  interficiet  impiuml  This 
same  Jesus  Christ,  who  by  his  omnipotent 
command  will  at  the  end  of  the  world  de- 
stroy Antichrist,  can,  I  doubt  not,  destroy 
the  Antichrist  that  lives  within  me, 
namely  my  self-love;  though  it  is  so  rooted 
and  implanted  in  my  soul,  that  the  effort  to 
kill  it  seems  to  threaten  my  very  life.  To 
the  all-powerful  physician*1'  nullum  vulnus 
incurabile.  Many  times  have  I  renounced 
its  despotic  rule,  and  I  now  once  more 


288  Life  of 

renew  my  protestations.  I  am  determined 
never  to  give  up  as  conquered ;  for  the  rest 
I  trust  to  the  physician  who,  so  long  ago, 
undertook  this  cure  and  successfully  works 
at  it,  sparing  neither  knife  nor  fire.  He 
who  persecutes  me,  in  reality  does  me  a 
favor,  so  I  cannot  complain ;  I  deserve  to 
suffer." 

To  the  practice  of  humility  Father  De 
Andreis  joined  its  inseparable  companion, 
meekness.  This  virtue  cost  him  long  and 
generous  efforts.  Possessing  as  he  did,  a 
most  sensitive  disposition,  and  accustomed, 
as  he  himself  relates,  to  have  everything 
his  own  way,  esteemed,  applauded,  caressed 
by  every  one;  and,  at  the  beginning  of  his 
spiritual  life,  favored  by  God  himself  with 
so  much  sweetness,  contradiction  impressed 
him  very  strongly  f  so  much  so  that  his 
health  would  feel  the  effects  of  it.  Yet  so 
well  did  he  overcome  himself,  that  he  suc- 
ceeded in  finding  his  greatest  delight  in  the 
very  things  that  had  been  to  him  subjects 
of  the  most  painful  agitation.  His  chosen 
soul  was  not  spared  by  God,  who  makes 
use  of  trials  to  spur  on  certain  minds  and 
lead  them  to  become  detached  from  all,  and 
seek  their  nourishment  in  the  hard  bread 
of  tribulation.  Meekness  enabled  Father 
De  Andreis,  first  to  support  with  resigna- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    289 

tion  and  then  with  calm  and  even  pleasure, 
these  touches  of  the  finger  of  God.  His 
first  trials  where  pains,  anguish  of  mind, 
fears,  doubts,  dejection,  darkness  and  aban- 
donment; after  which,  the  virtue  of  meek- 
ness led  him  to  a  state  of  perfect  calm,  the 
tranquil  peace  of  the  saints,  which  made 
him  desire  still  greater  trials  and  crosses. 

"God,"  he  says  in  one  of  his  Soliloquies, 
"leads  me  through  a  gloomy  and  frightful 
path,  beset  with  thorns;  such  are  the  pains 
and  trials  of  every  description  to  which  I 
am  subjected,  without  being  able  to  find 
any  mode  of  escape  from  them.  From  time 
to  time  he  sends  me  flashes  of  light  which 
dispel  the  surrounding  gloom,  remove  the 
trouble  of  my  soul,  and  refresh  me  with 
consolation,  too  delicious  to  be  described. 
Then  do  I  clearly  perceive  the  happiness  of 
my  state,  and  the  inestimable  value  of  the 
effects  produced  in  my  soul  by  all  these 
trials,  and  I  exclaim :  O  this  is  truly  to 
live!  ....  To  trample  everything  else  un- 
der foot,  and  seek  but  God  alone!  The 
more  I  mortify  my  senses,  the  more  I 
humble  myself  and  become  divested  of  all 
attachment  to  creatures,  the  nearer  I  ap- 
proach my  God.  At  the  very  time  that  I 
strive  most  earnestly  to  deny  myself,  in 
fact  totally  to  forget  my  own  satisfaction, 


290  Life  of 

at  that  very  time  it  is,  that  I  enjoy  the 
most  heavenly  delight;  and,  Oh!  si  per- 
ficeritur  in  me!  .  .  .  But  immediately  after 
I  find  myself  as  miserable  as  before.  It  is 
then  an  ineffable  effect  of  the  love  God 
bears  us,  thus  to  fill  our  present  life  with 
sorrow  and  trouble,  so  that  we  may  find 
rest  but  with  him  alone." 

A  man  thus  accustomed  to  consider  all 
things  in  God  and  from  God,  and  to  resign 
himself  completely  to  his  guidance,  could 
not  but  rise  superior  to  any  ill-treatment 
however  malicious,  on  the  part  of  others, 
and  he  did  this,  not  through  any  feeling  of 
haughtiness  or  contempt,  but  from  motives 
of  resignation  to  the  will  of  God,  and  the 
most  tender  charity  towards  all  men.  Let 
us  hear  him  reveal  the  secrets  of  his  heart 
with  regard  to  this  lovely  virtue.  In  his 
53d  Soliloquy  he  speaks  thus: 

uThou  shouldst,  O  my  soul,  keep  the  eye 
of  thy  mind  far  removed  from  the  sayings 
and  doings  of  men,  and  immovably  fixed 
on  the  loving  designs  of  God.  .  .  .  Accustom 
thyself  to  consider  every  one  as  better  than 
thou  art,  and  thyself  as  capable  of  no  good, 
but  on  the  contrary,  inclined  to  every  evil. 
Thou  shouldst  promptly  reject  any  malici- 
ous thought  with  regard  to  the  conduct  of 
others  towards  thee,  and  ascribe  charitable 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andrew,  C.  31.  291 

motives  to  all  their  actions,  believing  that 
thou  art  under  many  obligations  to  others 
for  the  patience  with  which  they  bear  thy 

defects Sometimes,  (Soliloquy  34th,) 

by  the  permission  of  God,  the  demon  ar- 
ranges things  in  such  a  way  that  the  most 
pious  and  charitable  persons  cannot  refrain 
from  judging,  —  falsely,  or  at  least  dubi- 
ously, it  is  true,  but  not  rashly,  and  there- 
fore without  sin.  And  they  join  with 
others  to  oppress  the  afflicted  soulf.who  can 
say,  hominum  non  liabeo  opprobrium  vicinis 
meis  valde.  They  take  a  wrong  view  of 
everything,  and  the  unhappy  soul,  how- 
ever'unwilling,  cannot  but  perceive  it,  and 
suffer  from  it.  f  In  eo  dum  convenirent 
simul  adversum  me,  accipere  animam  meam 
consiliati  sunt.l  Sometimes,  during  re- 
creation, it  seems  that  one  is  the  mark  of 
every  look,  of  every  word  and  conversation, 
etc.  f  Ego  autem  in  te  speravi  Domine, 
dixi:  Deus  meus  es  tu,  in  manibus  tuis  sor- 
tes  meae.3  This  is  the  only  Consolation  of 
the  soul.  One  flash  of  this  light  suffices  to 
restore  her  peace. 

)"Noli  ergo  vinci  a  malo,  sed  vince  in 
bono  malum.  (No.  71.)  May  God  be 
praised  !  how  great  dost  thou  show  thyself, 
in  all  that  thou  hast  permitted  to  befall  me! 
It  was  for  the  purpose  of  trying  me,  and 


292  Life  of 

grounding  me  thoroughly  in  that  charity 
wich  was  the  distinctive  virtue  of  St.  Vin- 
cent de  Paul  and  St.  Francis  de  Sales  —  a 
virtue  which  I  needed  so  much,  though, 
unfortunately,  I  was  not  aware  of  my  de- 
ficiency. .  .  .  Yesterday  we  celebrated  the 
feast  of  St.  Vincent.  I  will  also  be  Vin- 
cent; I  am  determined  to  conquer  as  he 
did,  but  truly  with  no  other  arms  than 
these  three  —  Humility,  Charity  and  Meek- 
ness. 

1 '  Vincenti  dabo  manna  absconditum  et 
nomen  novum.  Most  delicious  manna!  Most 
desirable  refreshment!  But  it  is  given  only 
to  conquerors.  And  let  us  not  be  deceived 
with  regard  to  the  meaning  of  this  word. 
It  is  a  well-known  fact  that  the  world  un- 
derstands things  in  a  very  different  manner 
from  the  gospel;  and  in  this  matter,  we 
must  take  the  gospel  meaning  and  not  that 
of  the  world.  To  conquer,  according  to 
the  world,  is  to  triumph,  to  heap  confusion 
on  a  rival,  to  glory  in  his  defeat.  But,  ac- 
cording to  Jesus  Christ,  it  is  a  very  different 
thing;  he  tells  us  that  we  conquer  only, 
when,  being  contemned  by  others  we  abase 
ourselves  still  more;  when  we  are  calumni- 
ated and  utter  no  word  of  justification; 
when  we  return  good  for  evil,  and  con- 
ciliate our  rivals  by  means  of  humility, 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  293 

charity,  and  mildness.  'Be  careful  then  of 
thy  business,'  as  St.  Chrysostom  says  in 
his  24th  Homily  on  St.  Mathew. 
L?lQuamdiu  ovesfuerimus  vindmus,  etiam- 
si  mille  drcumstent  lupi;  quod  si  lupi  fece- 
rimus,  vincimur.  Tune  enim  a  nobis  pas- 
toris  auxilium  recedit,  qui  non  lupos,  sed 
oves  pascit.'  Meditate  then  frequently  on 


Although  Father  De  Andreis  was  en- 
dowed with  so  much  gentleness,  forbearance 
and  condescension  towards  his  neighbor, 
he  never  yielded  so  far  as  to  approve  evil, 
or  to  abet  it  through  weakness.  On  the 
contrary,  he  was  like  an  invincible  bul- 
wark in  opposing  the  slightest  infractions 
of  the  rule  or  the  spirit  of  his  state,  as  may 
be  seen  more  clearly  in  his  Resolutions. 
(No.  76.) 

"Qui  in  verbo  non  offendit,  perfectus  est 
vir.  After  much  reflection,  I  find  that  the 
best  plan  for  me,  during  recreation,  is  to 
speak  very  little;  first,  because  it  is  not  my 
place,  young  as  I  am,  to  introduce  a  sub- 
ject of  conversation  ;  secondly,  because 
among  the  subjects  that  are  generally  dis- 
cussed at  that  time,  there  are  some  about 
which  I  know  so  little  that  I  could  scarcely 
say  one  word  on  the  matter;  thirdly, 
because  I  have  had  to  repent  very  often  of 


294  Life  of 

saying  that  one  word.  I  will,  therefore, 
appear  as  cheerful  and  pleasant  as  I  can ; 
if  I  am  questioned,  I  will  answer  with 
modesty,  and  endeavor  to  draw  the  recrea- 
tion within  the  limits  which  the  rule  pre- 
scribes. However,  I  will  joyfully  consent 
to  remain  forgotten  in  a  corner  of  the  room, 
as  if  I  were  dead,  being  resolved  to  take 
pleasure  in  no  other  conversation  than  that 
of  Jesus  Christ,  the  sweetest  spouse  of  my 
soul.  I  must  resign  my  whole  self  into  his 
hands,  reserving  for  his  service  alone  my 
tongue,  mind,  heart,  time,  body,  life,  and 
everything  else." 

In  fine,  Father  De  Andreis  made  use  of 
this  virtue  of  mildness  in  order  to  bear 
patiently  his  own  defects;  for  the  more  he 
advanced  in  the  love  of  God  the  more  they 
became  insupportable  to  him,  and  there- 
fore he  never  flattered  them.  St.  Francis 
says  that  a  soul  who  aims  at  perfection, 
stands  more  in  need  of  meekness  towards 
herself  than  towards  others;  because  the 
further  a  soul  advances  in  a  spiritual  life, 
the  more  numerous  are  the  faults  which 
she  perceives  in  herself. 

"Here  I  am,  at  length,"  writes  Father 
De  Andreis,  in  the  retreat  of  1813,  "weary 
with  trying  to  find  my  God.  I  behold 
nothing  but  myself  and  my  own  poverty, 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  295 

and  am  in  great  need  of  grace,  though  un- 
worthy to  obtain  it.  I  know  that  sanctity 
does  not  consist  in  having  this  or  that 
grace,  but  in  being  whatever  God  requires 
of  us;  in  attaining  that  degree  of  virtue 
that  God  has  appointed  us,  neither  more 
nor  less.  I  should  desire  nothing  but  that 
for  which  God,  from  all  eternity,  has  in- 
tended me.  I  know  not  what  it  is;  but  I 
must  follow  him,  step  by  step,  as  he  makes 
known  to  me  the  designs  of  his  providence, 
pray  that  his  holy  will  may  be  done  in  me, 
and  accomplish  it  without  desiring  either 
this  or  that  gift  j  ipse  dividit  singulis  prout 
vult." 


CHAPTER  XII. 
His  Mortification  and  Zeal. 

WE  may  truly  say,  and  all  those  who 
knew  Father  De  Andreis  most  intimately 
can  bear  witness  to  our  words,  that  the 
continual  business  of  his  life  was  to  die  to 
himself  by  means  of  the  most  severe  and 
universal  mortification,  so  that  he  might 
attach  himself  the  more  closely  to  the  cross 
of  his  Lord.  His  resolutions  were  constantly 
directed  to  discover  in  his  heart  the 
slightest  disorderly  tendencies,  and  to  over- 
come them  by  means  of  holy  mortification. 
It  will  suffice  here  to  give  some  of  these  re- 
solutions; they  will  enable  us  to  gain  some 
idea  of  the  extent  to  which  he  possessed 
this  virtue. 

"Considering  my  conduct  up  to  the  pres- 
ent moment,  it  appears  to  me  that  the  little 
good  I  do  is  adventitious.  I  seem  to  have 
no  inward  fervor,  and  am  like  a  tree  on 
which  are  hung  flowers  and  fruits  that  do 
not  belong  to  it,  because  it  has  not  suffici- 
ent vigor  to  produce  them  from  its  own 
sap.  I  do  good  as  if  by  compulsion,  and 

(296) 


Very  Eev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  297 

not  from  any  interior  energy.  In  one  word, 
I  see  plainly  that  the  old  Adam  is  living, 
like  an  immense  giant,  within  me,  while 
Jesus  Christ  is  but  a  mere  child,  if  he  is  in 
me  at  all.  I  must  then  combat  valiantly 
against  this  old  Adam,  exterminate,  de- 
stroy him,  so  that  Jesus  Christ  may  abide 
in  me.  Tantum  proficies  quantum  tibi  ipsi 
vim  intuleris.'" 

The  following  are  some  resolutions  which 
he  took  on  the  feast  of  Corpus  Christi: 

' '  RESOLUTIONS.— MOTIVES. 

ui.  God  has  frequently  called  me  to  the 
dignity  of  union  by  making  me  experience 
the  delights  of  his  divine  love,  so  that  I 
may  be  entirely  detached  from  myself;  and, 
seeing  that  I  have  not  yet  fully  resolved  to 
do  away  with  my  self-love,  and  embrace 
mortification,  which  is  the  foundation  of 
this  union,  he  permits  me  to  be  assailed  by 
truly  frightful  temptations,  which,  like  so 
many  scourges  of  his  love,  forcibly  impel 
me  to  do  what  he  desires.  .  .  .  O  how  great 
is  his  goodness! 

"2.  In  order  to  divest  myself  fully  of  all 
these  imperfections,  experience  has  thaught 
me  that  there  is  no  better  means  than  to 
put  on  a  spirit  of  universal  mortification. 

4 '3.  To  succeed  in  the  sacred  functions 


298  Life  of 

of  our  ministry,  and  to  overcome  those  de- 
fects which  I  know  are  innate  in  my  heart, 
a  high  degree  of  divine  union  is  absolutely 
necessary,  which  cannot  be  attained  with- 
out this  mortification. 

1  '4.  Having  placed  myself  last  evening 
unreservedly  at  the  feet  of  the  most  Holy 
Virgin,  asking  her  to  show  me  a  path  by 
which  I  might  escape  from  the  darkness 
around  me  and  save  my  soul,  it  seemed 
that  she  laid  the  cross  upon  me  and  said  : 
'Attach  thyself  to  this  and  never  leave  it.' 

"I  resolve  then  and  purpose  that  it  shall 
be  the  principal  end  of  this  retreat,  to  em- 
brace this  virtue  of  mortification,  and  to 
place  myself  upon  the  cross  in  such  a 
manner  as  never  to  descend  from  it  during 
my  life.  But,  to  enter  into  particulars,  I 
especially  resolve  upon  the  following  ar- 
ticles : 

"MORTIFICATION  OP  THE  IMAGINATION 
AND  MEMORY. 

"i.  To  attend  carefully  to  the  presence 
of  God,  but  without  anxiety  or  constraint; 
to  reject  every  useless,  foolish,  or  curious 
thought,  or  any  idea  which  is  not  of  evident 
utility. 

1  '2.  In  prayer,  and  particularly  while  re- 
piting  the  Divine  Office,  I  will  exactly  exe- 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  299 

cute  the  resolutions  which   I  took  in  the 
retreat  of  1811. 

"THE  JUDGMENT  AND  UNDERSTANDING. 

"Avoid  all  curious  investigation,  and 
submit  cheerfully  to  the  opinion  of  others 
whenever  my  conscience  does  not  require 
me  to  act  otherwise.  Submit  especially  to 
the  judgment  of  my  superiors,  and  prin- 
cipally with  regard  to  what  I  am  told  in  my 
communications  about  despising  those  in- 
terior troubles  to  which  I  am  liable. 

"THE  WILL. 

"Observe  minutely  every  point  of  the 
rule;  above  all,  what  is  said  in  Art.  3, 
Chapter  2,  on  Conformity  to  the  will  of 
God. 

"THE  TONGUE. 

"i.  Love  silence,  and  never  speak  but 
when  the  rule  prescribes  it. 

U2.  Even  in  time  of  recreation  avoid 
much  talkativeness. 

"3.  Never  speak  of  myself  but  through 
necessity  and  then  with  humility  and  such 
caution,  that  self-love  may  lose  more  than 
it  gains  by  what  I  say.  This  refers  par- 
ticularly to  anything  concerning  country, 
friends,  relations,  and  similar  subjects, 


3°°  Life  of 

"4.  Never  make  a  display  of  learning 
by  speaking  on  scientific  or  religious  sub- 
jects without  necessity;  and  when  it  is  re- 
quisite to  do  so,  act  in  such  a  manner  that 
humility  will  not  be  the  loser  by  it. 

"5.  Never  despise  or  accuse  any  one; 
but,  on  the  contrary,  esteem  and  excuse  all, 
reserving  contempt  for  myself  alone. 

"THE  TASTE. 

ui.  Refrain  entirely  from  any  kind  of 
food  for  which  I  may  feel  excessive  liking; 
this  is  to  be  understood,  also,  of  everything 
else  towards  which  my  natural  inclination 
might  lead  me  with  too  much  ardor. 

U2.  Never  empty  a  plate  unless  it  be 
through  real  necessity. 

"3.  Make  a  little  offering  of  some  of 
those  morsels  which  are  most  pleasing  to 
the  taste,  with  the  interior  disposition  to 
deprive  myself  of  the  whole,  if  it  were  the 
holy  will  of  God. 

"THE  HEARING,  SIGHT  AND  SMELL. 

"Deny  myself  any  satisfaction  not  ab- 
solutely necessary,  or  at  least  useful;  and 
even  then  direct  my  intention  to  God. 

"THE  TOUCH  AND  BEHAVIOR. 

"i.  Sleep  upon  straw,  and  maintain  a 
modest  position  while  sleeping. 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  301 

U2.  Bridle  any  natural  impetuosity,  and 
endeavor  to  walk  and  act  with  gravity, 
modesty  and  humility,  seeking  always  the 
last  place. 

"3.  Bear  patiently  the  molestations  of 
insects  which  are  so  troublesome  to  me, 
and  consider  that  they  are  to  take  the  place 
of  hair-cloth. 

"4.  Always  find  some  means  of  remain- 
ing on  the  cross,  either  in  one  way  or  an- 
other, and  seek  a  subject  of  mortification  in 
everything. 

"These  resolutions  are  difficult,  but  I 
hope  to  find  them  easy  in  practice;  it  is 
God  who  has  inspired  them ;  it  belongs 
then  to  him  to  give  me  the  grace  to  execute 
them,  and  the  most  holy  Mary  will  ask  this 
for  me.  On  my  part,  I  will  make  use  of 
the  following  means : 

"i.  To  meditate  on  them  frequently, 
and  read  the  lives  of  those  saints  that  are 
most  likely  to  inspire  me  with  love  of  mor- 
tification. 

"2.  To  examine  myself  very  often  on 
these  points,  and  allow  no  fault  to  go  un- 
punished. 

"3.  To  pray  to  our  Lord  that  he  will 
vouchsafe  to  strengthen  me  to  carry  my 
cross,  and  not  permit  me  to  live  another 
moment  according  to  the  suggestions  of 
nature.  Fortis  est  nt  mors  dilectio." 


of 

Although  this  practice  of  mortification 
traced  out  by  Father  De  Andreis  might 
seem,  to  a  less  fervent  soul,  incapable  of 
receiving  any  increase,  he  nevertheless  car- 
ried it  out  still  further  by  renouncing  those 
very  delights  which  are  sometimes  felt, 
and  very  often  sought  after,  in  the  things 
of  God.  Let  us  see  what  he  writes  on  this 
subject: 

"I  must  also  remove  from  my  mind  an- 
other illusion,  which  consists  in  imagining 
that  I  can  enjoy,  in  this  miserable  life, 
such  permanent  love  and  affection  for  good 
works,  that  I  shall  meet  with  no  obstacle  in 
the  performance  of  them,  but  on  the  con- 
trary, experience  great  pleasure.  If  such 
were  the  case,  those  words  of  our  Saviour, 
that  we  are  to  take  up  our  cross  and  carry 
it  every  day,  deny  ourselves,  and,  by  means 
of  great  suffering,  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  God,  would  be  false. 

"Certain  delights  belong  to  heaven,  and 
Divine  Goodness  gives  some  of  them  to  us 
at  times  in  this  life,  as  a  fortaste  of  celestial 
joy,  and  that  we  may  be  incouraged  to 
suffer.  To  wish  that  perficiatur  in  te,  is 
to  desire  what  can  only  be  fulfilled  in  para- 
dise. Ever  to  pray,  and  to  mortify  oneself 
unceasingly,  these  are  the  means  which 
render  virtue  and  the  practice  of  good 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  303 

works  easy.  Leaving  all,  however,  to  the 
will  of  God,  I  have  taken,  as  it  seems  to 
me  by  his  inspiration,  a  strong  resolution : 

"i.  As  the  desire  of  spiritual  delights 
and  the  loss  of  the  same  cause  much  per- 
turbation in  my  soul; 

U2.  As  they  are  sometimes  snares  set  by 
self-love  and  pride,  accompanied  with 
much  risk  of  illusion; 

"3.  As  they  produce  in  me  a  certain 
spiritual  concupiscence,  which,  not  being 
satisfied  in  the  spirit,  sometimes  seeks 
other  delights,  and  is  transformed  into  con- 
cupiscence of  the  flesh,  which  gives  me 
much  trouble; 

"4.  As  the  sweets  of  God  are  not  God 
himself,  and,  when  too  much  sought  after, 
prevent  one  from  saying  with  truth,  Deus 
meus  et  omnia,  and  from  being  united  with 
God  alone; 

"5.  As  the  renunciation  of  these  delights 
will  render  me  less  sensitive  to  those  of  an 
inferior  kind,  and  will  bind  me  more  closely 
to  the  cross; 

"I  have  resolved:  To  relinquish  all 
spiritual  joys  even  unto  death.  I  mean  that 
I  will  not  seek  after  them,  desire,  or  ask 
for  them,  nor  aspire  to  them  in  any  way 
whatsoever,  believing  myself  to  be  totally 
unworthy  of  such  favors." 


3^4  Life  o* 

The  end  that  Father  De  Andreis  had  in 
view  by  so  much  mortification,  was  solely 
to  become  more  surely  and  intimately 
united  with  God,  and  to  acquire  that  ardent 
charity  which  cannot  exist  without  com- 
municating its  flame  to  others,  and  promot- 
ing their  salvation  by  the  complete  sacrifice 
of  self ;  so  that  one  may  say  with  the 
Apostle,  Optdbam  ego  ipse  anathema  esse  a 
Christo  pro  fratribus  meis.  Rom.  ix.  3. 

"Truly,"  he  writes  in  1814,  "no  one  is 
more  ready  to  love  his  neighbor,  as  he 
should,  purely  through  charity,  as  one  who 
considers  himself  tanquam  mortuus  a  corde 
hominum.  Under  the  specious  pretext  of 
charity,  the  desire  to  oblige,  politeness, 
civility,  how  much  chaff  of  secondary 
motives  lies  concealed!  (No.  8.)  In  order 
that  the  flame  which  burns  within  my 
breast  may  inflame  the  hearts  of  others,  it 
must  first  consume  and  purify  my  own ;  fire 
never  spreads,  but  merely  sends  forth  some 
little  heat,  until  it  has  devoured  all  the 
materials  which  immediately  surround  it. 
I  must  then  co-operate  with  this  flame  and 
help  it  to  destroy  the  old  man,  by  removing 
everything  that  might  serve  to  strengthen 
his  empire." 

If  we  judge  him  by  his  own  descr  ption 
of  the  flame  of  the  love  of  God,  wo  may 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.    305 

truly  say  that  it  was  strong  within  him,  as 
he  was  enabled  to  spread  it  among  so  many 
souls  who  were  total  strangers  to  it.  "Any 
one  whose  vocation  it  is  to  labor  for  the 
salvation  of  others,"  says  Father  De  An- 
dreis in  his  44th  Number,  "must  be  like  a 
ray  that  is  reflected  from  another  body ;  the 
heart  should  first  proceed  directly  to  God, 
and  from  him  return  to  mingle  with 
creatures,  by  conversing  with  them,  preach- 
ing to  them  and  counselling  them  in  their 
difficulties.  Then  it  is  that  one  works 
securely,  with  purity  of  intention,  zeal  and 
success,  because  the  blessing  of  God  accom- 
panies him,  according  to  those  words  of  the 
Psalmist :  Beatus  vir  cujus  voluntas  in  lege 
Domini;  omnia  qaecumque  faciet  prospera- 
buntur.'" 

Such  being  the  principles  that  actuated 
Father  De  Andreis,  it  is  easy  to  understand 
how  he  renounced,  not  only  all  his  wordly 
expectations,  but  those  likewise  which  the 
Congregation  offered  him,  and  found  him- 
self happy  in  the  midst  of  labor,  sacrifices, 
infirmities,  and  even  persecutions.  "Esteem, 
honor,  (No.  33,)  food,  rest,  etc.,  all  these 
things  should  be  for  me  arbitror  nt  stercora 
ut  Christum  lucri  fadam.  I  must  not,  for 
one  Tioment,  allow  my  mind  to  rest  on 
them,  as  they  do  not  concern  me  in  the 


306  Life  of 

least.  Quid  ad  te?  tu  me  sequere.  This  is 
what  I  have  to  do :  follow  Jesus  Christ  iu 
the  sublime  ministry  to  which  it  has 
pleased  him  to  call  me  ;  considering  as  ad- 
dressed to  myself  those  words  which  he 
spoke  in  the  gospel  to  one,  who,  before 
following  him,  wished  to  bury  his  dead 
father ;  relinque  mortuos  sepelire  mortuos 
suos,  et  tu  vade  et  annuntia  regnum  Dei. 
O  my  God!  what  a  glorious  destiny!  to 
traffic  for  souls,  enter  into  partnership  with 
the  incarnate  son  of  God,  in  his  own 
especial  calling  ;  to  extend  the  kingdom  of 
God  and  destroy  that  of  the  demon  and  sin; 
to  convert  souls  to  God,  enlighten  and  bring 
them  back  into  the  paths  of  virtue  and  sal- 
vation ;  to  guide  them  to  their  first  principle 
and  last  end!  O  my  God!  et  unde  hoc 
mihi!  How  much  has  the  Almighty  ac- 
complished in  my  soul,  to  render  me  fit  for 
so  noble  an  employment!  Would  it  not  be 
a  shame  if  one  called  to  so  sublime  a  min- 
istry were  to  give  himself  up  to  vanity  and 
worldly  enjoyments?  if  he  were  to  seek 
earthly  honors,  weep  over  the  death  of 
butterflies,  or  amuse  himself  by  breaking 
spiders'  webs!  Due  in  altum,  due  in  altum, 
et  laxate  retia  vestra  in  capturam — non  in 
capturam  auri  vel  argenti,  vel  vanitatis,  sed 
in  capturam  animarum." 


Very  Rev.  Felix  De  Andreis,  C.  M.  307 

Hence  we  can  also  understand  how,  in 
spite  of  weak  and  delicate  health,  he  was 
able  to  support  while  he  was  yet  young,  as 
a  student  and  a  priest,  so  much  application 
and  toil;  how  he  endured  so  much  danger 
and  fatigue,  which  seemingly  would  have 
cost  him  his  life.  "Fortis  est  ut  mors  di- 
lectio.  Love  is  not  satisfied  until  it  meas- 
ures itself  with  death.  Self-esteem  and 
pride  are  more  closely  united  to  the  soul 
than  the  skin  is  to  the  flesh  which  it  covers. 
Perfect  spiritual  detachment  is  no  less  pain- 
full  than  bodily  excoriation.  Everything 
must  die."  And,  in  No.  97,  he  adds: 
"Mille  anni  ante  oculos  tuos  sicut  dies 
hesterna  quae  praeterit.  0  non  contem- 
plantibus  nobis  quae  videntur:  quae  enim 
videntur,  temporalia  simt;  quae  autem  non 
videntur,  aeterna.  0  mundus  transit  et 
concupiscentia  ejus;  qui  autem  facit  volun- 
tatem  Dei,  manet  in  aeternum.  These  words 
should  be  the  three  lenses  which  serve  to 
form  the  truthful  telescope,  through  which 
the  Christian  should  judge  of  everything, 
especially  the  labors,  misfortunes,  honors, 
pleasures,  and  delights  of  this  fleeting  life. 
O  happy  indeed  is  he  who  can  plunge  his 
thoughts  into  the  blessed  eternity !  there  he 
will  learn  to  say:  pati  ant  mori — pati  et 
non  mori.  There  he  will  form  a  correct 


308  Life  oj 

judgment  of  all  here  below,  and  learn  to 
live  tamquam  advena  et  peregrinus  in  lioc 
mundo;  to  sigh  continually  after  the  joys  of 
Heaven;  to  think  nothing  of  what  will  pass 
away  with  time,  and  to  remain  cheerful 
under  whotsoever  may  befall  him,  because 
quod  aeternum  non  est,  nihil  est." 

We  should  never  end  were  we  to  repeat 
all  the  sentiments  of  purest  zeal  which 
breathe  throughout  his  writings,  for  ex  abun- 
dantia  cordis,  os  loquitur.  We  will  con- 
clude then  by  giving  two  extracts  relating 
to  the  qualities  which  he  purposed  to  give 
his  zeal : 

"I  have  considered  that  this  virtue 
should  keep  an  even  path,  far  removed 
from  the  two  extremes  of  human  respect 
and  excessive  severity,  so  that  it  may  be 
firm  and  magnanimous,  without  harshness 
or  asperity ;  mild  and  gentle ,  without 
cowardice  or  pusillanimity 

"Anger  and  natural  impulse  are  always 
evil  counsellors  in  matters  were  zeal  is  con- 
cerned. I  therefore  resolve  never  to  speak 
or  act  when  I  feel  strongly  impelled  to  do 
so,  without  first  thoroughly  consulting 
charity  and  humility;  so  that  these  virtues 
may  temper  the  effects  of  my  zeal.  O! 
what  holy  ingenuity  is  suggested  by  hum- 
ility; how  strong  is  the  ardor  inspired  by 
charity!" 


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